Approximately 1 in every 4 to 5 women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer has a hereditary gene mutation that is responsible for the development of her cancer. Identifying women at increased risk of developing ovarian cancer due to a hereditary cancer syndrome can allow for early detection or prevention of not only ovarian cancer, but also other cancers, depending on the causative gene. This review focuses on 3 of the most common hereditary ovarian cancer syndromes, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes), Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome), and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, including key features, genetics, and management of these syndromes. In addition, newly discovered genes (eg, RAD51C and RAD51D) linked to ovarian cancer are discussed.