This review summarizes data from recent molecular genetic and epidemiology studies of the generic term 'female pelvic cancer'. The English-language literature was reviewed for genetic, epigenetic, epidemiologic and environmental risk factors. There are well-documented disparities among racial and ethnic groups with respect to epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) prevalence. In the case of the serous histological subtype, primary EOC, fallopian tube cancer and peritoneal cancer could be regarded as a single disease entity. However, EOC is not a single disease. Comparing the profile of EOC between Japanese and Caucasians, clear cell carcinomas (27.6%) are more common in Japan, possibly with fewer serous adenocarcinomas (40.7%). This may reflect a proportional increase. The Japanese may exhibit a higher proportion of malignant transformation of endometriosis compared to the United States population. Although some part of the molecular genetic pathogenesis has been unveiled, the complete events of molecular genetic epidemiological changes associated with EOC remain to be identified. This review focuses on current knowledge of the genetic and environmental factors affecting the development of EOC, and outlines future challenges in its pathogenesis research.