Head and neck cancer patients benefit from new devices funded by Faceup Cymru charity

CTM patients who are living with the impact of head and neck cancer have successfully trialed a device which helps exercise and strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing and breathing.

Funded by Faceup Cymru, head and neck cancer patients who were identified as at risk of aspiration (where food or fluid enters the lungs) following surgery/radiotherapy were invited to trial the Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) devices. EMST gradually strengthen the expiratory muscles with the aim of improving cough strength, helping the movement and strength of swallowing muscles, and providing a greater range of laryngeal movement.

Six patients were invited to an introductory session and then began a six-week treatment programme. The session was also an opportunity for patients to meet others in a similar situation and provide peer support. One patient commented: “I’ve waited for months to have this device and I was quite looking forward to it because it will help with my breathing and my speech and eating. I’m quite happy I’ve been invited to come here and practice today.”

Following successful treatment, the patients will now keep the device for life and continue with a maintenance programme. Those who fully adhered to the programme showed significant improvement in the strength of the muscles. Patients also reported positive changes in their overall quality of life, with one patient now being able to share a bed with his wife for the first time in 18 months due to reduced noise related to his symptoms. Another shared that he felt his stamina for exercise had improved and he had returned to walking and yoga.

Menna Payne, Macmillan Clinical Lead Speech Therapist, said “I’m so pleased we have been able to secure the devices for our patients. We want to say a huge thank you to Mike and Faceup Cymru for this generous donation which allows us to continue to support patients and prevent further deterioration in their swallowing function. People who have had head and neck cancer often have life-long changes to their eating, drinking and swallowing and as SLT’s we support patients throughout that journey. It was also a great opportunity to bring people together and the camaraderie was evident, with patients encouraging each other and even patting each other on the back as they left the session.”

Menna will be presenting the findings and success of the devices with clinicians across Wales at the Wales Cancer Network Head and Neck education event in November. In addition, due to the success of the programme, Faceup Cymru has kindly agreed to fund more devices which means CTM can provide this service to other patients.

Faceup Cymru works closely with CTM UHB to provide patient centred help, in particular purchasing equipment but also funding a mobile clinic to enable patients to be seen in a friendly atmosphere rather than in the hospital setting. 

Mike Fardy, Consultant Maxillofacial / Head and Neck Surgeon and Medical Advisor to Faceup Cymru commented: “The treatment we provide is only one part of the overall package for this group of patients. It is important to remember the ongoing support that is required in providing help and advice on all aspects of their life. Our help does not stop at the hospital entrance. If anyone feels they would like to help in any way, for example with hosting coffee mornings to raise funds or just come and provide support to the patients, please contact us at faceupcymru@gmail.com”.

Faceup Cymru was set up over 20 years ago to provide support for patients with head and neck cancer. Patients can attend meetings and meet similar people which enables them to avoid feeling isolated. The charity provides direct support and has provided funding to appoint allied health professionals. For more information, visit the Faceup Cymru website.

18/10/2024