The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has published guidance on head and neck cancer for anyone who would like to find out how speech and language therapists (SLTs) work and help people with head and neck cancer.

SLTs have expertise in assessment, diagnosis, management and rehabilitation of voice, speech and swallowing difficulties resulting from head and neck cancer and its treatment.

The new guidance was developed by a working group of SLTs and covers the symptoms, treatment and the role of the SLT when working with people with head and neck cancer.

 

SLTs can also help patients who have had a total laryngectomy – the removal of the voice box. The RCSLT has published a position paper which sets out the role of SLTS working in this area, alongside a competency framework which reflects the guiding principles in laryngectomy care, to ensure safe and best practice.

Position paper                   LINK

Competency framework     LINK