A successful aerobic training protocol for a person with cancer should include education on aerobic exercise training, an exercise evaluation, and an individualized exercise prescription. Ideally, education, the exercise evaluation, and aerobic exercise training should begin when a person receives a diagnosis of cancer. In the event that a person with a new diagnosis of cancer is already performing aerobic exercise activities, they should be encouraged to continue their exercise regimen. However, these aerobically trained individuals should receive an updated exercise evaluation and exercise prescription, and should be provided with information on precautions and contraindications for exercise during this time.

The exercise evaluation for people with cancer should consist of a medical screening, a physical examination, and an exercise test (ACSM, 2000). Following are guidelines for the components of a medical screening and a physical examination (American College of Sports Medicine, 2000; Canadian Standardized Test Manual, 1995).