Interaction between inflammation and tumor microenvironment (TME) is known as one of the main causes of cancer development. TME is an intricate network composed of tumor and immune cells, cytokines, enzymes, and other related factors. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, mostly IL-1 family, IL-6, and TNF-α, are key factors in creating chronic inflammation in the tumor context. Based on reported evidence, these cytokines indicate either pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic functions dependent on cancer type, TME, and other related factors. As the pro-tumorigenic function, the pro-inflammatory cytokines alongside supportive cells and factors lead to hyperinflammation and tumor promotion by affecting different mechanisms, including angiogenesis, proliferation, immunosuppression, extracellular matrix remodeling, invasiveness, and metastasis. Regarding the importance of tumor immunopathogenesis, attracting attention to inflammation and the abovementioned cytokines is critically required. Hence, this study aimed to discuss the role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine in cancers comprehensively, which would help open a window toward depth recognition of cancer pathogenesis and increase the efforts to improve and develop practical cancer therapeutic approaches.