Effectiveness of Prophylactic Swallowing Exercise on Dysphagia and Quality of Life among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Chemo- Radiotherapy

Background: Dysphagia is one of the most frequent side effects of chemo-radiotherapy for head and neckcancer, which has an adverse influence on the quality of life and health of survivors. Aim: This study aimed to evaluatethe effectiveness of prophylactic swallowing exercise on dysphagia and quality of life among patients with head and neckcancer receiving chemo-radiotherapy. Method: A quasi-experimental research approach was conducted in radiotherapydepartment at Mansoura Nuclear Medicine Unit. Sample: A purposive sample of 60 head and neck cancer patientsundergoing chemo- radiotherapy, was divided into two matched groups; study group and control group. Prophylacticswallowing exercise initiated before the start of chemo-radiotherapy and continued throughout the duration of theirchemo-radiotherapy. Tools: A structured Interview Questionnaire, (EORTC) Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30)and its Head and Neck Cancer Module (QLQH& N35) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Results: Head andneck cancer patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy who received swallowing exercise experienced less dysphagia andimproved quality of life compared to whom received routine care as there was a highly statistically significantdifferences between studied groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Prophylactic swallowing exercise had a positive effect ondysphagia and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemo- radiotherapy. Recommendation:Head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemo- radiotherapy should be encouraged to perform the prophylacticswallowing exercise before and along the period of chemo-radiotherapy.