Cancer, a complex group of diseases characterised by uncontrolled cell growth, remains a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 10 million deaths in 2020. Despite advancements in chemotherapy and targeted therapies, survival rates have not significantly improved, necessitating the exploration of novel anticancer agents. This study investigates the in vitro anticancer potential and phytochemical constituents of Cheilanthes hirta Swartz., a fern known for its medicinal properties. The plant was collected from KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa and extracts were prepared using water, ethanol and methanol. The phytochemical and FTIR analyses were carried out using standard procedures and anticancer activities of the extracts were assessed against prostate (PC-3 and DU-145), human T-lymphocytes (SKU-T) and gastric (AGS) cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, phlobatannins, alkaloids and steroids. FTIR spectroscopy identified the functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, terminal alkynes, ketones, phenols and phosphate ions. The cytotoxicity results showed that the ethanol extract exhibited the most potent antiproliferative effects on prostate cancer cell lines, while the aqueous extract had the strongest effect on the gastric cancer cells. This study highlights the potential of C. hirta as a source of compounds for anticancer drug development, however, further investigation into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy is needed.