Communication
You may experience changes to your speech clarity and/or voice quality related to the location of the cancer, or due to the cancer treatment, including surgery and/or radiation therapy. Head and neck cancer and its treatment can affect the muscles and nerves of the lips, tongue, throat and larynx (voice box).
When these muscles or nerves are affected, a person’s speech may not sound as clear or voice may sound different, and they may be difficult to understand. These changes might be temporary or permanent. When changes are a result of radiation therapy and its side effects, they usually improve once the side effects resolve. When changes are a result of surgery, it is recommended that you talk to your surgeon about recovery and likelihood of improvement in communication.
Common treatment side effects of radiation therapy which may impact on communication include:
· Pain, inflammation, swelling and ulceration of the mouth and/or throat.
· Dry mouth and/or thick saliva.
· Stiffness or weakness of the muscles used for communication.
· Fatigue.
We've collected our favourite resources for you to read, watch, listen to, download and share to better understand and manage this concern, as well as clinical services if you would prefer to speak to someone about the emotional challenges of cancer treatment.
Oncology Nurses
Nurses can provide support and options to assist with feelings of uncertainty, low mood and fear, or any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Speech Pathologists
Can assess your communication and provide you with individualised strategies to help you to communicate in the clearest and most effective way. If you would like to be linked with one of our speech pathologists, please ask your treating health professional to send a referral.