Global epidemiological reports indicate a steady increase in the tendency to develop ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynecologic malignancy, primarily due to nonspecific symptoms that lead to late-stage diagnosis. This review summarizes its epidemiology, key risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, staging and treatment. There is no effective screening tool. A growing body of evidence points to the role of genetic factors in the development of cancer. It is known that mutations in the BRCA1 gene are responsible for an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is a hormone dependent cancer and its steroid hormones are estrogens. Estrogens affect cells through the estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. An imbalance between ERα and ERβ receptor expression may, therefore, be a key step in estrogen dependent carcinogenesis.