The cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding proteins (CPEBs) associate with specific sequences in mRNA 3' untranslated regions to promote translation. They do so by inducing cytoplasmic polyadenylation, which requires specialized poly(A) polymerases. Aberrant expression of these proteins correlates with certain types of cancer, indicating that cytoplasmic RNA 3' end processing is important in the control of growth. Several CPEB-regulated mRNAs govern cell cycle progression, regulate senescence, establish cell polarity, and promote tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this Opinion article, we discuss the emerging evidence that indicates a key role for the CPEBs in cancer biology.