The Notch signaling pathway, known for its role in regulating cell fate, organ development, and tissue homeostasis, is highly conserved across metazoans. This review focuses on the research progress of the Notch signaling pathway in cancers, highlighting its dual role as both an oncogenic factor and a tumor suppressor. Dysregulation of the Notch pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and cancer invasion, while also contributing to stem-like properties in cancer cells. The pathway's involvement in cancer metabolic reprogramming and the tumor microenvironment underscores its importance in balancing oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Additionally, the review discusses the potential of targeting the Notch signaling pathway for innovative therapeutic strategies, including clinical trials targeting Notch signaling in cancer therapy. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Notch signaling in cancer and offers insights into potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.The Notch signaling pathway, known for its role in regulating cell fate, organ development, and tissue homeostasis, is highly conserved across metazoans. This review focuses on the research progress of the Notch signaling pathway in cancers, highlighting its dual role as both an oncogenic factor and a tumor suppressor. Dysregulation of the Notch pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and cancer invasion, while also contributing to stem-like properties in cancer cells. The pathway's involvement in cancer metabolic reprogramming and the tumor microenvironment underscores its importance in balancing oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Additionally, the review discusses the potential of targeting the Notch signaling pathway for innovative therapeutic strategies, including clinical trials targeting Notch signaling in cancer therapy. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Notch signaling in cancer and offers insights into potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.