HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Social Workers

Social workers are available to provide a variety of supportive services to you and your family. They can provide counseling to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis of cancer and evaluate your treatment options. They may also help arrange for home healthcare and other services.

Nutritionists

Nutritionists, also called dietitians, work with patients to help them maintain proper nutrition during their treatments. They will help you modify your eating plan if treatment is affecting your appetite and what you can eat, and can provide recipes, menu suggestions and information on ready-to-use nutritional supplements. They also address dietary issues and current developments that may affect cancer treatment outcomes.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists use therapeutic exercises to ensure that your body functions properly while you are undergoing treatment. These exercises are used to help manage side effects, alleviate pain and keep you healthy.

Dentists

Dentists may be involved in the care of patients who are receiving radiation for oral or head and neck cancers. They will help prevent the radiation from damaging the healthy areas of your mouth and oral cavity, and may recommend that you have preventive dental work prior to radiation. They will also help you manage oral complications of cancer therapy, such as dry mouth. A dental hygienist may also perform these services under the supervision of a dentist.

Speech Therapists / Pathologists

People who have been treated for head and neck cancer often experience swallowing problems (dysphagia). The severity of the swallowing problem varies according to the type and nature of the treatment, the size and location of the tumor, and the nature of any reconstruction.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) typically see a person prior to medical or surgical intervention to discuss possible changes in speech and swallowing. Afterwards, the SLP will evaluate the individual at bedside to determine the nature of any swallowing disorder and the appropriate diet for that person. The person may initially have a feeding tube through their nose until swelling from surgery has subsided. If the SLP suspects a pharyngeal swallowing problem, an instrumental assessment may be recommended to determine the risk of aspiration.

If the individual requires further treatment for swallowing problems, the SLP can work with them to improve swallowing function. Therapy may include muscle exercises and compensatory strategies to overcome chewing and swallowing problems. Head postures, such as chin tucks or turning the head to one side, may facilitate a safe swallow. The SLP will work with the patient to ensure the safest diet level and swallow techniques for long-term success.

For More Information

Your primary care physician and cancer treatment specialists (radiation oncologists, surgeons and medical oncologists) can provide you with more information on the disease, as well as information on finding support groups in your area.

Helpful Web Sites
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship
Therapy Oncology Group

medical oncology > health professionals