INTRODUCTION: This work looked for data that described the use of the physical exercise, don't like preventive method, but, as modality therapeutic adjuvante in the coping of the cancer (CA) and its treatment from the diagnosis to the recovery. Because they are many the damages and side effects lived by the patients that can be modified through the practice of physical exercises. OBJECTIVE: To identify and select references to demonstrate necessary parameters for prescription of programs physical exercise for patient oncologics. METHOD: The systematic model of research was used in the bases of data Medline, Liliacs and Pubmed, using the descriptors: cancer, physical exercise, physical activity, exercise, being considered articles published between 1997 and 2008, in the portuguese languages, english, spanish and german. They were selected the articles that presented data to base the use of the physical exercise as therapeutic method, as well as modulation, indication, contraindication and interaction with other treatments. RESULTS: In the revised literature, they were found subsidies that base the use of the physical exercise as adjuvante in the coping of CA and its treatment, as well as, benefits, indications, contraindications and precaution in the use of the physical exercise. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of being a wide field, where there is very still the researches, if respected the contraindications and precautions the exercise becomes safe, viable and effective for patients and survivors, giving to them support to face the treatment and accelerating the recovery.
cancer; physical exercise; physical activity; exercise
