Little is known regarding the early aspects of ovarian carcinogenesis. As a consequence,
the identification of women at risk for the disease is based primarily on clinical grounds, with
family history being the most important risk factor. In this review, we will discuss the various
hypotheses regarding ovarian etiology and pathogenesis. In addition, we will discuss the
epidemiology of ovarian cancer, including hereditary, reproductive, hormonal, inflammatory,
dietary, surgical, and geographic factors that influence ovarian cancer risk.