Abstract: This paper introduces the concept of anticipatory grief, describes the development process, the object of application, measurement content, reliability and validity, the method of use, the application status quo of anticipatory grief assessment tools for cancer patient caregiver in China and abroad, and aims to provide guidance of appropriate assessment tool selection. Meanwhile, this paper also provides references for anticipatory grief assessment tools of cancer patient caregiver in line with China's cultural background.

Key words: cancer; caregiver; anticipatory grief; assessment tool; literature review