Objective To investigate the effect of emotional freedom technique (EFT) on anticipated grief in cancer patients. Methods A total of 58 cancer patients were selected and divided into an intervention group （n=30） and a control group （n=28）.The control group received routine nursing care, including diet care, medication therapy as ordered, and health education, etc.The intervention group,in addition to routine care, received 4-week ETF therapy, which included accupoint tapping, and speaking the reminder phrases aloud.Before and after the intervention, the Chinese version Anticipatory Grief in Advanced Cancer Patient was used to evaluate the effect. Results After 4 weeks′ intervention, the total score of anticipatory grief in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in control group （P＜0.01）. Conclusion Emotional freedom technique can reduce anticipated grief level of cancer patients.