Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well-known as a promising antimicrobial material; they have been widely used in many commercial products against pathogenic agents. Despite a growing concern regarding the cytotoxicity, AgNPs still have attracted considerable interest worldwide to develop a new generation of diagnostic tool and effective treatment solution for cancer cells. Objective: This paper aims to review the advances of AgNPs applied for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The database has been collected, screened and analysed through up-to-date scientific articles published from 2007 to May 2019 in peer-reviewed international journals. Results: The findings of the database have been analysed and divided into three parts of the text that deal with AgNPs in cancer diagnosis, their cytotoxicity, and the role as carrier systems for cancer treatment. Thanks to their optical properties, high conductivity and small size, AgNPs have been demonstrated to play an essential role in enhancing signals and sensitivity in various biosensing platforms. Furthermore, AgNPs also can be used directly or developed as a drug delivery system for cancer treatment. Conclusion: The review paper will help readers understand more clearly and systematically the role and advances of AgNPs in cancer diagnosis and treatment.