Objective To explore the status and influencing factors of expectations regarding end-of-life conversations expectations among cancer patients, so as to provide references for formulating targeted intervention strategies to promote end-of-life conversations in this population. Methods A total of 357 hospitalized cancer patients were enrolled by convenience sampling, then they were investigated by using a general information questionnaire and the End-of-Life Conversations-Expectations Scale (EOLC-E). Results The participants′ total score of the EOLC-E was 58.40±23.51. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that, the degree of disease understanding, experience of bereavement, and experience of discussing death with relatives, and whether conversations achieved the expected outcome were influencing factors of cancer patients′ expectations for end-of-life conversations (all P＜0.05), which could explain 5.2% of the total variance. Conclusion Cancer patients have moderate expectations regarding end-of-life conversations, indicating a relatively low willingness and an avoidant attitude toward participating in such discussions. Patients with different characteristics have varying expectations regarding end-of-life conversations. Medical staff should formulate individualized interventions based on cancer patients′ personal characteristics, thereby improving the quality of end-of-life conversations.