Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 2025, Vol.13, No.5, 215-223 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 216 and put forward suggestions on combining scientifically based strategies to improve the end-of-life experience of patients and their families. 2 Overview of Hospice Care for Patients with Advanced Cancer 2.1 Definition and core concepts of hospice care Hospice care for patients with advanced cancer refers to the care provided in the last few weeks or months of their lives. At this point, as the patient's condition worsens and their health deteriorates rapidly, they are getting closer and closer to death. Its main goal is to make patients feel comfortable and improve their quality of life as much as possible. The focus of care has shifted from treating diseases to comprehensive care centered on patients, addressing their physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. This nursing approach emphasizes alleviating symptoms, halting unnecessary treatment interventions, and formulating personalized care plans based on the patient's condition. Usually, supportive care and palliative care need to be incorporated as early as possible during the tumor treatment process (Levoy et al., 2023). EoL care adheres to the principle of "comprehensive care", taking into account the connections among physical, emotional, social and mental health. It is comprehensive and patient-centered, focusing on the comfort and dignity of patients when they are on the verge of death. Effective EoL care also involves clear communication with patients and their families, such as discussing care goals, available care options, and shifting from disease-treating care to care centered on patient comfort (Lin et al., 2018; Crawford et al., 2021). 2.2 Main nursing needs of patients with advanced cancer Patients with advanced cancer have complex and multi-faceted needs towards the end of their lives. Physically, they usually need to enhance the management of pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue and other uncomfortable symptoms (Crawford et al., 2021). Psychologically, patients may experience anxiety, depression, and the pain of survival, which requires strong psychological support and methods to help them adapt to and accept the current situation (Liu et al., 2024). In terms of society, the participation of family members and caregivers, the coordination of care work, and supportive interaction are of great significance, as they can address patients' loneliness and promote communication among each other (Ghezelsefli et al., 2020; Terzi and Kapucu, 2022; Trakoolngamden et al., 2025). The spiritual needs are also prominent, as patients, towards the end of their lives, seek the meaning of life, inner peace and acceptance of death. Mental support can help patients and their families solve problems related to survival and give them a sense of "passing away peacefully" (Gao et al., 2025). Comprehensive care models that integrate all the above needs, such as multi-disciplinary team care led by nurses and hospice care programs, can improve the quality of life of patients, reduce negative emotions, and make patients and their families more satisfied (Liu et al., 2024; Usech-guerrero et al., 2024). 2.3 The unique value of hospice care in tumor care Oncology nurses play a very crucial role in providing EoL care. They are supporters, knowledge explainers and care coordinators for patients and their families. Nurses have a lot of contact with patients and can always pay attention to their conditions, handle symptoms and provide emotional support. Professional education and training, such as hospice care training and cosmetic care training, have been proven to enhance nurses' confidence, job performance and awareness of EoL care, especially in physical and psychological care (Jeong et al., 2023; Shahmohammadi et al., 2024) Experienced practicing nurses focus on pain control, suggest formulating care plans as early as possible, assist patients in self-management, and encourage family members to join in, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of care. Integrating cancer care knowledge into teamwork can alleviate symptoms more effectively, increase the satisfaction of patients and caregivers, and improve the quality of life of patients at the end of their lives (Crawford et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2024; Usech-guerrero et al., 2024). The all-round care approach of cancer nurses and their ability to build mutual trust with patients and their families are key factors in providing high-quality end-of-life care.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==