Speech and Language therapy

The ability to communicate and eat/drink without difficulty is something we often take for granted. Speech and Language Therapists support people experiencing difficulties swallowing, eating, drinking and/or communicating. These difficulties can arise from cancer, its treatment or a variety of other reasons. This webpage will provide information on the Velindre Speech and Language Therapy team, services provided and advice about accessing this support. 

Speech and language therapists at Velindre Cancer Centre work closely with people with cancer who experience difficulties with swallowing, eating, drinking and/or communication. We also support individuals with altered airways (i.e. tracheostomy tubes or laryngectomies). Common difficulties for individuals needing Speech and Language Therapy input include: 

• Coughing or choking when eating and drinking
• Feeling like food and drink is “getting stuck” in the throat or “going down the wrong way”
• Difficulty chewing food or keeping food/drink in the mouth
• Difficulty understanding what is said or losing the thread of conversations
• Difficulty finding the right word or using the wrong word
• Slurred, hesitant or stuttering speech
• Voice problems, for example sounding hoarse, gruff, croaky or strained
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty writing

We play an important role in the wider team to ensure that care is tailored to individual needs and goals. This will include working with families, carers and third sector organisations, such as Macmillan or The Brain Tumour Charity. The overall aim of our input is to offer practical help with speech and language therapy needs and to enhance quality of life.