Speech therapy for adults is often necessary after treatment for head and neck cancer. Despite the lifesaving nature of these interventions, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can leave long-term and permanent side effects that alter normal speech, voice, and swallowing patterns. Changes to the mouth, throat, vocal cords, and surrounding muscles can make it hard to communicate verbally on a day-to-day basis. They can affect confidence, independence, and quality of life. 

Expert speech therapists can help adults recover from illness by providing targeted support and exercises to restore speaking confidence and ensure safe swallowing.

What are the possible side effects of treatment? 

Treatments target abnormal cancer cells but can also damage healthy tissue. Surgery may remove part of the tongue, jaw, or throat, while radiotherapy can cause dryness, stiffness, and reduced movement. Chemotherapy may lead to feelings of fatigue and weakness.

These changes can lead to difficulties controlling speech patterns, leading to slurred speech that can be hard to understand. You may also experience voice changes and weakness, difficulties pronouncing words correctly, or dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). 

You could experience physical side effects during meals, such as coughing or choking when eating, difficulties chewing food, food getting stuck in the throat, or feeling as though you are going to choke. Speech therapy following treatment can help improve these symptoms.

You may also experience emotional side effects, such as becoming withdrawn or avoiding situations where you have to speak. You might develop a fear of eating in public or feel self-conscious about the sound of your voice.

Speech and language therapy will address both the physical and emotional side effects of your treatment.

Speech and language therapy after treatment

A speech and language therapist will work with adults who have difficulty communicating and swallowing after cancer treatment. Their job is to help restore movement and function, prevent complications such as pneumonia, and help adapt to any lifelong changes to speech.

They will start by conducting a thorough assessment to gauge your speech and voice clarity, swallowing safety, and overall communication ability. They will review your medical history, the type of cancer treatment you received, your typical diet, and communication goals. Your therapist will use all of this information to provide tailored support and develop a plan specific to your needs.

Speech and language therapy for adults is highly beneficial following cancer treatment because it provides structured guidance focused on communication and swallowing difficulties.

Improving swallowing safety

Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, are also common following treatment. Not only can dysphagia cause coughing and choking when eating or drinking, but it can also lead to serious health complications, such as pneumonia if food enters the lungs.

Speech therapists can assess your swallowing abilities through clinical assessment and, where necessary, instrumental assessment. Your therapist will devise a treatment plan to improve your swallowing function. 

Treatment may include exercises to improve muscle strength in the throat, coordination, and tongue movement. You may also be taught specific techniques to improve safety, such as changing head position during swallowing or altering swallowing patterns. In some cases, you may be advised to alter your diet to improve swallowing. This could include changing the texture of foods you eat or thickening liquids to prevent choking.

Working with your family 

Family members and caregivers can provide additional support when recovering from treatment. Speech therapists can work with your loved ones to provide you with support at home and offer advice on ways to help. 

Your family can help by speaking clearly when communicating with you, listening patiently, and prompting you to do your exercises. They can also help prepare safe meals and drinks based on your therapist’s recommendations. 

As your family will know you best, they can help monitor your abilities and identify when you may be struggling or getting tired. Therapists can provide your family with the support they need to help you recover at home and create an environment where you can feel comfortable and confident. 

Early intervention and follow-up

Ideally, you should be referred for speech therapy before cancer treatment begins. Your therapist will be able to conduct an initial assessment and help establish your pre-treatment communication abilities. They can work with you to help you better understand the possible side effects you may experience following treatment and begin therapy to prevent problems from developing. 

Early therapy will also minimise the risk of developing serious and lasting complications. Following treatment, it is important to continue attending regular reviews with your speech therapist. You may continue to make progress for several months or years after your therapy has finished. 

Recovering your speech, voice and swallowing ability following head and neck cancer treatment is a unique and deeply personal experience. For those seeking professional support, high-quality speech therapy in Tower Hamlets can help with the physical aspects of recovery, such as rebuilding your speech and learning to swallow safely. Speech therapy exercises and strategies are unique to you. They are designed to restore your independence in your day-to-day life with confidence.