Objective To investigate the effect of family-centered visitation on prevention of delirium in cancer patients in the ICU. Methods A total of 164 critically ill cancer patients were assigned into a control group and an intervention group of 82 according to their admission time, receiving either routine visitation or family-centered visitation. The rate of delirium, ICU length of stay, incidence of ICU acquired infection, and family satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results The intervention group had lower rate of delirium, shorter ICU length of stay, and higher family satisfaction compared with the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in incidence of ICU acquired infection between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Implementation of family-centered visitation can effectively reduce delirium in cancer patients in the ICU and enhance satisfaction of family members, however, it has no significant impact on ICU acquired infection.