Germline pathogenic variants associated with ovarian cancer: A historical overview

•During the past century a lot of knowledge has been gained concerning hereditary ovarian cancer.•Several ovarian cancer susceptibility genes have been discovered within the past decades.•Expanding knowledge in the genetic field has led to preventive measures and treatment regimens for ovarian cancer patients.•In Denmark, the test panel used in screening for hereditary ovarian cancer risk currently includes ten genes.•More germline pathogenic variants will most likely be discovered and possibly added to the screening panel in the future.