The article reviews the role of cytokines in the link between innate immunity, inflammation, and cancer. Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in tumor development, promoting tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Key cytokines involved include TNF-α, TRAIL, IL-6, IL-17, IL-12, IL-23, IL-10, and TGF-β. TNF-α, produced by tumor cells and inflammatory cells, stimulates tumor growth and survival. TRAIL, produced by activated T cells and NK cells, induces apoptosis in tumor cells. IL-6, a potent inflammatory cytokine, promotes tumor growth through various mechanisms. IL-17, produced by Th17 cells, enhances tumor angiogenesis and invasion. IL-12 and IL-23, produced by activated APCs, have both pro- and anti-tumor effects, depending on the context. IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, can both inhibit and promote tumor growth, depending on its interactions with other factors. TGF-β, a pleiotropic cytokine, has both tumor suppressive and tumor promoting effects, depending on the stage and type of cancer. The review highlights the complex and context-dependent roles of these cytokines in cancer, providing therapeutic opportunities to target pro-inflammatory cytokines while enhancing anti-tumor responses.The article reviews the role of cytokines in the link between innate immunity, inflammation, and cancer. Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in tumor development, promoting tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Key cytokines involved include TNF-α, TRAIL, IL-6, IL-17, IL-12, IL-23, IL-10, and TGF-β. TNF-α, produced by tumor cells and inflammatory cells, stimulates tumor growth and survival. TRAIL, produced by activated T cells and NK cells, induces apoptosis in tumor cells. IL-6, a potent inflammatory cytokine, promotes tumor growth through various mechanisms. IL-17, produced by Th17 cells, enhances tumor angiogenesis and invasion. IL-12 and IL-23, produced by activated APCs, have both pro- and anti-tumor effects, depending on the context. IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, can both inhibit and promote tumor growth, depending on its interactions with other factors. TGF-β, a pleiotropic cytokine, has both tumor suppressive and tumor promoting effects, depending on the stage and type of cancer. The review highlights the complex and context-dependent roles of these cytokines in cancer, providing therapeutic opportunities to target pro-inflammatory cytokines while enhancing anti-tumor responses.