Abstract
Objective: Point out the main challenges and perspectives of cancer nursing in communicating news to cancer patients and their families. Methods: This is an integrative review that met the PRISMA recommendations. The databases used were: Bireme, Medline, Lilacs, BDENF and SciELO, via descriptors: “oncology nursing”, “nursing”, “oncology” and “health communication”, from 2011 to 2021. 274 studies were identified, and after the inclusion criteria, 9 investigations composed the sample. Results: 77,7% of the investigations indicated that the lack of training and cross-cultural qualifications, the absence of systematization, the lack of skills acquired in graduation, the ineffectiveness of collaborative efforts, the approximation of ethical, human and care standards were related to the main challenges. As for the perspectives, the relevant humanitarian role in cancer treatment was highlighted, as well as the capacity and aptitude of nursing for prognostic communication with patients and their families. Final considerations: The oncology nursing team is essential in quality communication, however, greater autonomy for professionals, investments in training and systematization are still a major challenge. The team's performance was shown to be fundamental in the quality of information and humanization, supporting positive perspectives and promising professional ranges for the development of specific skills.