Palliative Care in Cancer Patients: A Walker and Avant Concept Analysis

Abstract

Palliative care aims to optimize the quality of life of people living with cancer and their families through the prevention and alleviation of multidimensional suffering. However, it is frequently mis conceptualized as care limited to the terminal phase, resulting in delayed integration into oncology services. This study aimed to clarify the concept of palliative care in cancer patients using Walker and Avant’s concept analysis framework. A PRISMA-guided literature search was conducted in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for articles published between 2020 and 2025. The last search was conducted on 06 January 2026. Twenty eligible studies were systematically reviewed to examine the use of the palliative care concept and to identify its defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. Five defining attributes of palliative care in oncology were identified: holistic care addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions; a primary focus on quality of life and patient dignity; interprofessional collaborative practice; empathic therapeutic communication; and spiritual existential support. Key antecedents included advanced or progressive cancer, high symptom burden, emotional and spiritual distress, diminishing benefits of curative treatments, complex decision making, and the need for advance care planning. The consequences included improved quality of life, better symptom control, reduced psychological distress, enhanced spiritual well-being, increased patient and family satisfaction, and clearer goals of care aligned with patient values. This analysis was limited to English- language articles indexed in two databases. Clarifying the concept of palliative care supports earlier referral, strengthens interprofessional practice, and informs oncology nursing education, clinical decision making, and future research. Across the entire cancer care trajectory and service continuum.