Ovarian cancer: etiology, risk factors, and epidemiology

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Mar;55(1):3-23. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0b013e31824b4611.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / adverse effects
  • Breast Feeding
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Diet
  • Endometriosis / complications
  • Epithelium / drug effects
  • Estrogens / adverse effects
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Genes, BRCA1
  • Genes, BRCA2
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Geography
  • Gonadotropins / adverse effects
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Life Style
  • Lynch Syndrome II / complications
  • Mutation
  • Obesity / complications
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Parity
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / complications
  • Pregnancy
  • Progestins / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Sterilization, Tubal
  • Talc / adverse effects

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
  • Estrogens
  • Gonadotropins
  • Progestins
  • Talc