Objectives The aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific knowledge on the anticancer properties of curcumin, especially the results of clinical studies and new formulations development. Materials and methods Research in this paper is a theoretical one and includes a detailed overview of the available professional and scientific data on the topic. Relevant bibliographic database such as Current Contents, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Medline and Cocharen Library are searched. Results Curcumin is the main bioactive compound of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) with anticancer, antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mechanisms of curcumin anticancerogenic action include the induction of apoptosis by various signal pathways regulation and blocking tumor cell cycle. Clinical studies indicated its great potential in the prevention and treatment of various cancers and a good safety profile. The medicinal use of curcumin is limited by its low bioavailability, rapid metabolism and systemic elimination. Investigations of novel drug formulations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, phospholipid complexes and hybrid molecules showed a significant improvement in pharmacokinetic properties of curcumin. Conclusion Further clinical studies are required to provide a higher level of evidence of curcumin therapeutic potential in oncology.