Introduction: This investigation searched for data that would describe the use of physical exercise, not as preventive method, but as a supporting therapeutic modality in the coping of the cancer (CA) and its treatment from diagnosis to recovery, since there is massive harm and side effects experienced by the patients that can be modified through the practice of physical exercises. Objective: To identify and select references which demonstrate necessary parameters for prescription of physical exercise programs to oncologic patients. Method: The systematic model of research was used in the Medline, Liliacs and Pubmed databases, using the terms: cancer, physical exercise, physical activity, exercise, being considered articles published between 1997 and 2008, in the Portuguese, English, Spanish and German languages. The articles that presented data which supported the use of physical exercise as a therapeutic method, as well as its modulation, indication, contraindication and interaction with other treatments were selected. Results: In the revised literature, subsidies that ground the use of physical exercise in its supporting role in the coping of CA and its treatment, as well as, benefits, indications, contraindications and precaution in the use of physical exercise were found. Conclusions: In spite of being a broad field where there is still a lot to be researched, if the contraindications and precautions are respected, physical exercise becomes safe, viable and effective for patients and survivors, giving them support to face the treatment and accelerate recovery.
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