Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are RNA‐binding proteins associated with complex and diverse biological processes such as processing of heterogeneous nuclear RNAs (hnRNAs) into mature mRNAs, RNA splicing, transactivation of gene expression, and modulation of protein translation. hnRNPA1 is the most abundant and ubiquitously expressed member of this protein family and has been shown to be involved in multiple molecular events driving malignant transformation. In addition to selective mRNA splicing events promoting expression of specific protein variants, hnRNPA1 regulates the gene expression and translation of several key players associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Here, we will summarize our current knowledge of the involvement of hnRNPA1 in cancer, including its roles in regulating cell proliferation, invasiveness, metabolism, adaptation to stress and immortalization. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1431. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1431 This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications Translation > Translation Mechanisms RNA Export and Localization > Nuclear Export/Import hnRNPA1 is involved in multiple biological processes within the cell nucleus and cytoplasm. Counter‐clockwise: hnRNPA1 regulates mRNA stability, the transcription of G‐quadruplex containing genes, the nuclear export and translational de‐repression of IRES‐containing mRNAs, mRNA splicing and telomere length maintenance.