A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, but for many people, fighting does not end after treatment. People who undergo surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy – especially for head and neck cancer – often face face speech and swallowing difficulties. These challenges can be heavy, not only communication, but also affect self -esteem and social interaction. Talking clearly or swallowing food can make it difficult to suddenly.

“Treatment of cancer can change a person’s voice or make it difficult to eat. It not only affects the body, but also affects emotions and confidence,” says Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai’s speech language doctor Bhavana Singh.

How to affect cancer speech and swallowing

Treatment such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy can damage the muscles and nerves involved in speaking and swallowing. For example, some patients may undergo a laryngctomy (removal of voice box), which completely change how they speak. Others may experience stiffness in the throat muscles due to radiation or nervous damage from chemotherapy.

“Radiation can make the muscle hard, and chemotherapy can cause nerve problems, which affect speech and swallowing,” says Singh.

As a result, the remaining people may end with a husky, weak or missing voice. Some struggle to eat or drink safely. These changes can affect daily life – ordering food, interacting with loved ones, or even saying that your name can be disappointing.

“Losing their voice or struggling to eat can make it feel isolated. Many patients begin to avoid social conditions or feel embarrassed,” she says.

Role of speech language medicine

Speech-language doctors (SLTs) help the remaining people to rebuild their ability to speak and swallow, not only improve physical health, but also emotional welfare.

Singh says, “Every patient is different. Our job is to make a personal plan to talk and help them to eat better and feel confident again.”

Here is how SLT supports people left from cancer:

Evaluation: First, physicians examine the range of speech or swallowing issues.

Voice Therapy: They use special techniques to improve pitch, loudness and clarity.

Alternative speech methods: For those people without vocal cords, SLT teach new ways to speak – such as using devices (electrollerinx), or learning toxophagel speech.

Swallowing therapy: Exercise and strategies help patients safely eat and drink without knee.

Communication equipment: Some patients learn to use technology or hand gestures when it is difficult to speak.

Emotional support: SLTS also helps the remaining people to deal with the stress of communication problems.

Says Singh, “Even small reforms – such as being able to congratulate someone or enjoy food – can feel like a big win,” Singh says.

Post -cancer travel is not only about existence; It is completely about living life. A speech-language physician helps the remaining people to gain control over their communication, which helps them to talk with confidence and dignity. Working with SLTS, people survived by cancer do not just tell how to speak; They define their ability to connect with others.

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