Cancer is the leading cause of deaths worldwide and its incidence is increasing. Glucose/lipid metabolism disorders increase the incidence and mortality of many malignant tumors, such as breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, etc. Multiple mechanisms linking glucose/lipid metabolism and cancer progression have been described. The possible mechanisms include affecting the cell metabolism, body inflammation and immune disorders, inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis, and promoting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. However, it remains unclear which factors are the main drivers of cancer development. The interaction between glucose/lipid metabolism disorders and cancers restricts the choice of drugs, affects the efficacy of surgery and patient prognosis, making the formulation of treatment plans more challenging. Metformin and statins may reduce the risk of a variety of cancers, but the results of relevant clinical prospective trials are still unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the research progress related to glucose/lipid metabolism disorders and cancers. This review aims to explore the association between glucose/lipid metabolism disorders and the occurrence of cancers. Discuss the evidence supporting glucose/lipid metabolism disorders in cancers and how this phenotype may contribute to cancers growth and progression. Finally, the potential role of blood glucose or lipid lowering strategies for the treatment of cancers will be discussed.