Swallowing Support Group Topics

The NFOSD works with several Speech-Language Pathologists across the country who host swallowing support groups. We have included a list of possible topics that could be covered at a meeting.

(1)    Normal oropharyngeal swallow anatomy and physiology

(2)    How cancer site/stage can impact swallow function/oral intake (including esophageal cancers)

(3)    How surgeries/resections can impact swallow function/oral intake (including gastric pull-ups)

(4)    How chemotherapy can impact swallow function/oral intake

(5)    How radiotherapy can impact swallow function/oral intake

(6)    Acute side effects of chemo/radiation (oral co-morbidities)

(7)    Long-term side effects of chemo/radiation (fibrotic processes)

(8)    Functional outcomes post-chemoradiation

(9)    Consequences of chronic dysphagia

(10)  Role of SLP before, during, and after chemo-radiation or surgical resection followed by chemo-radiation

(11)   The role of frailty in swallowing: how to maintain physical and cognitive reserves

(12)  Preparing a dysphagia diet

(13)  Understanding a video swallow study: the what, why, and when?