Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays important roles in the pathogenesis of cancer. Increasing evidence in genome-wide association studies have demonstrated the implication of lncRNA with different types of cancer. Aberrant expression and mutation of lncRNA is associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and prognosis of cancer. lncRNA exerts effects on either tumor promotion or tumor suppression. Because of the diversity and specificity in genome expression, lncRNA is identified as new molecular markers and therapeutic targets for cancer. In this paper, the progress of lncRNA in cancer is reviewed with the latest reports at home and abroad.