Cancer is the most fought disease in the world due to the increasing number of cases and deaths. Interest in herbal products and natural substances is increasing due to the inadequacy of existing chemotherapy drugs in many types of cancer, their cytotoxicity against healthy cells and their side effects. Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites are preferred by cancer patients as herbal medicine, apart from being the starting point of many existing synthetic drugs. In this review, studies on the anticancer effect of Zingiber officinale (ginger) were examined. The plant is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for diseases such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, dyspepsia, cold, joint, and toothache, and in Traditional Indian Medicine as an anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antihyperlipidemic. Gingerol (6-, 8- and 10-gingerol), shogaol, and zingiberen contained in the plant have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It has been determined by studies that 6-gingerol in the structure of gingerol, the main active ingredient in rhizomes, is responsible for anticancer activity. In the light of the findings of in vitro and in vivo studies, it has been seen that it is necessary to carry out comprehensive clinical studies on the anticancer effect of standardized Z. officinale extracts.