The human voice is a unique feature of every individual based on anatomical structure, physiological usage and behaviours.
Articulation is the ability to pronounce words using the active articulators, namely, the tongue, lower lip and lower teeth, and the passive articulators, such as the upper teeth, upper lip, alveolar ridge and palate.
It is a crucial part of verbal communication, which is the ability to exchange information, ideas, thoughts or messages with others.
Meanwhile, swallowing is the ability to swallow ingested materials into the food tract (aka oesophagus).
All these functions are usually affected when a person is diagnosed with head and neck cancer, particularly so for those with laryngeal cancer.
As such, speech and language therapists or speech language pathologists play an important role in the treatment of such patients.
Radiotherapy is one of the treatments for cancer, alongside surgery and chemotherapy, but its side effects can be profound.
Radiotherapy utilises high-energy radiation that is precisely manipulated to target cancerous tissues while sparing healthy tissues.
To put it in perspective, a radiotherapy machine exposes a patient to around 100,000 times more radiation than a typical chest X-ray machine.
Therefore, the procedure requires a highly-trained group of experts consisting of oncologists, medical physicists, radiation therapists, nurses and technical experts to be performed safely.
Unfortunately, some cancers are located in very close proximity to vital organs, increasing the complexity of the treatment and escalating the risk of side effects.
For example, patients with laryngeal cancers who undergo radiotherapy often face challenging side effects such as reduced vocal clarity, difficulty articulating words and impaired swallowing functions (dysphagia) after completing their treatment cycles.
These side effects can affect not only physical health, but also emotional well-being, social participation and overall quality of life.
To curb the side effects, speech and language therapy is highly recommended in the rehabilitation process.
Therapists can help clients regain strength and coordination in the muscles responsible for speech and swallowing through targeted exercises.
Techniques such as articulation drills, voice therapy and swallowing manoeuvres are tailored to the client, ensuring therapy is effective and patient‑centred.
Crucially, therapy addresses communication strategies, empowering clients to express themselves confidently despite physical limitations.
In fact, the benefits extend beyond functional recovery.
As a result of improved speech and swallowing, the risk of malnutrition and aspiration is reduced, while the restoration of communication fosters social connection and emotional resilience.
Patients often report greater confidence, reduced moments of isolation and renewed independence in daily life.
Families and caregivers too, are relieved as the patient’s communication becomes clearer, thereby enhancing their relationships and reducing frustration.
In oncology, early intervention is key to any level of progress.
Engaging a speech and language therapist soon after radiotherapy would maximise the recovery potential and prevent complications from becoming exacerbated.
The collaboration between oncologists, nurses, radiologists and therapists ensures holistic care.
As cancer survival rates continue to rise, attention must be turned to quality of life after treatment.
Speech and language therapy post-radiotherapy offers hope and practical solutions, helping clients repossess their voice.
