The present disclosure relates to an anticancer use of a novel compound, i.e., 2-methoxy-4-(3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propyl-1-en-1-yl)phenol. The compound of the present disclosure effectively inhibits the growth of cancer cells and tumors in vitro and in a xenograft animal model. The compound of the present disclosure illustrates an anticancer activity by inhibiting a DNA binding activity of transcription factor STAT 3 in cancer cells, inducing apoptosis of cancer cells, and reducing the expression of a cell cycle regulatory protein. The compound of the present disclosure can be developed as an active ingredient of a strong anticancer drug.