Speech Therapists and Cancer? Yes it's a thing.

Abigail Camps
Jun 22
3 min read

Updated: Jul 19

A cancer diagnosis is more than just receiving a diagnosis and staging, undergoing treatment, and then returning to normal life. Depending on the tumour type and the treatments required, individuals may experience changes in speech, voice, language, thinking skills, and even swallowing. This can be an unexpected challenge. Even if it is mentioned that these problems can occur, it can often be unprocessed at the time due to an information overwhelm at the time. The ripple effects of cancer and its treatment can be extensive. Many patients are surprised by problems such as speech, language, voice, swallowing, or taste changes.

As an Adult Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), I support individuals facing communication and swallowing difficulties during and after cancer treatment. When changes occur post-treatment, there are ways to help. It’s about accessing the right advice and treatment, having support around you, and to some extent—luck.

Below is a general guide to how different types of cancer can affect communication and swallowing—and how speech and language therapy can help.

Important Information

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you have new or worsening swallowing problems (for example, coughing or choking on food/drink, a wet or gurgly voice after swallowing, or repeated chest infections), please contact your GP, cancer team, or urgent care promptly.

Why Cancer Can Affect Communication and Swallowing

Communication and swallowing rely on a complex system involving the brain, nerves, muscles of the face, mouth, throat, the voice box (larynx), and breathing. Cancer can affect these structures, and treatments can also lead to both short- and long-term changes.

Tumour Effects

Pressure on the nerves to the voice box or muscles involved in speech and swallowing can occur. Tumours can impact language and speech areas of the brain, causing pain, reduced movement, or changes to the anatomy in the mouth, throat, or oesophagus.

Treatment Effects

Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies can cause fatigue, dryness, swelling, scarring, reduced sensation, and changes in strength and coordination.

Breathing Changes

Breathlessness can make speaking and swallowing harder to coordinate.

Emotional Impact

Anxiety, low mood, and stress can affect confidence, concentration, and participation in conversations and meals.

Brain Tumours

Brain tumours, whether primary or secondary, can affect communication and swallowing based on their location, size, and treatment.

Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers can involve the mouth, tongue, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), salivary glands, and related structures. Because these areas are central to speech and swallowing, difficulties are common—both from the cancer itself and from treatments. If you have been diagnosed with a tumour in this area, an SLT will usually be a core part of your treatment team.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer doesn’t directly involve the mouth or throat, but it can still affect communication and swallowing—often through breathing changes, fatigue, and treatment side effects.

When to Seek Help

In addition to the types of cancer mentioned, there are other cancers (including oesophageal, lymphoma, and breast) that can also impact swallowing and communication in various ways. Unless you have head and neck cancer, you may not often encounter a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare team and request a referral if you think it would be beneficial. If you notice changes in swallowing or communication, it’s worth raising these concerns early—support can make a real difference to safety, comfort, and confidence.

It is Important to Seek Urgent Help If You Notice:

Coughing or choking on food or drink.
A wet or gurgly voice after swallowing.
Food sticking, taking much longer to finish meals, or avoiding certain textures.
Unexplained weight loss or dehydration.
New or worsening slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or trouble being understood.
Voice changes that persist.

How I Can Support You

I offer adult speech and language therapy (SLT) for swallowing and communication difficulties, including support during cancer treatment and in palliative care. With my oncology experience and specialist cancer training, I am well positioned to assist with difficulties arising from cancer.

Sessions are available in-person in Farnham (Surrey) and virtually. If you’d like to discuss what’s been happening and what support might look like, please email me at farnhamslt@gmail.com.

If you are considering private SLT sessions, please inform your Consultant and/or Specialist Nurse of your concerns. They may also be able to refer you to an NHS SLT. It is essential for your private SLT to collaborate with your NHS team to ensure you receive the most effective and useful treatment.