PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE PREVENTION OF COVID-19 IN ONCOLOGICAL PATIENTS

Cancer is a pathology characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth, which invades tissues and organs. Among the adverse effects caused by the treatment we can mention immunosuppression, making the individual susceptible to the appearance of diseases such as COVID-19, a disease that presents a clinical picture that varies from asymptomatic infections to severe respiratory conditions. Physiotherapy can help prevent COVID-19 in cancer patients, offering a better immune response and strengthening of organs and systems. This work is an integrative review in the SciELO, PUBMED, PEDro and Cochrane databases. The main physical therapy techniques consisted of breathing exercises, kinesiotherapy, relaxation techniques, to strengthen the respiratory muscles, thus preventing the disease from worsening if the patient contracts it. The Modified Borg Scale was also used to assess shortness of breath and tele-therapy to minimize the risk of contamination. Studies have shown that physical therapy works effectively in preventing the new coronavirus in patients undergoing cancer treatment.