When is cancer rehabilitation recommended for head and neck cancer?

Support may begin before treatment, continue during radiotherapy or surgery, and remain available after treatment. A speech and language therapist may assess swallowing or communication. A dietitian can help maintain nutrition when chewing, taste or swallowing changes. Physiotherapy may address jaw opening, neck movement, shoulder function or stiffness. Occupational therapy can help with routines, work and practical tasks. Emotional and appearance-related support may also be part of care.

The rehabilitation plan depends on the cancer site, treatment received, symptoms, general health and personal goals. Some people need one specialist; others benefit from coordinated input as needs change.

Tell the oncology team about changes such as coughing with drinks, food sticking, a weaker voice, reduced jaw opening, shoulder difficulty, weight loss, fatigue or trouble managing daily tasks. Ask for an assessment rather than waiting for a problem to become severe. Keep appointments and practise only the exercises recommended for you, because healing tissues and surgical sites need individual guidance.

Contact your treatment team promptly for new or worsening difficulty breathing, repeated choking, inability to swallow fluids, signs of dehydration, sudden swelling, fever after a procedure, or bleeding that does not settle. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening swelling. These symptoms need urgent assessment alongside any rehabilitation plan.

Ask which rehabilitation specialists are suitable, when assessment should start, which symptoms need urgent contact, and how exercises fit around surgery, radiotherapy or other treatment. You can also ask how progress will be measured and whom to contact if swallowing, speech or movement changes between visits.