title: Ovarian cancer:  etiology, risk factors, and epidemiology.
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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, NorthShore University Healthsystem, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Evanston, Illinois 60201, USA.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hunn
authors.forename: Gustavo C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000009:adverse effects; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004032:Diet; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005843:Geography; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000009:adverse effects; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D008019:Life Style; D055847:Lynch Syndrome II / Q000150:complications; D009154:Mutation; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D010298:Parity; D000292:Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011372:Progestins / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal; D013627:Talc / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D004967:Estrogens; D006062:Gonadotropins; D011372:Progestins; D013627:Talc