Aims:

This study promoted a screening of the geographical distribution and scientific production of the Brazilian research groups on interventions with diet and/or exercise in cancer.

Methods:

A systematic search on the current basis of the Directory of Research Groups of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development was done to collect information such as name of group; name of leader; unit of federation; institution; year of creation; number of researchers, students and technicians; and the group's knowledge sub-area. All leaders' curricula were accessed to screen their general publications on cancer and their specific publications on nutrition, exercise and cancer. The publications were classified according to the QUALIS (2015) criteria of the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel in the Physical Education area.

Results:

The Southeast has the highest number of active groups, but the North has no registered groups. The Midwest concentrates the largest number of members in its research groups and the largest overall scientific production on cancer, but the Southeast presents the largest specific production on nutrition, physical exercise and cancer. Most of the specific publications were B2.

Conclusion:

Research groups and scientific contributions involving this knowledge field need to be encouraged and better distributed geographically throughout the Brazilian territory.(AU)