Speech-Language Pathology

In the Supportive Care Program, patients have access to regulated Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP), who are able to provide specialized care in the areas of swallowing and total laryngectomy.

Our Speech-Language Pathologists have extensive training in swallowing assessment and rehabilitation for patients with cancer who are experiencing difficulty swallowing.

Our Speech-Language Pathologists also have specialized training to work with patients who have received total laryngectomy surgery. Speech-Language Pathologists can assist in pre-treatment education, as well as with the selection, application for funding and training with different methods of communication for post-surgery. One method of voice restoration offered to patients with total laryngectomy is the Tracheoesophageal Puncture (TEP) Voice Restoration system. Our Speech-Language Pathologists are trained in this method of voice restoration and are able to offer this service at the Northeast Cancer Centre.

Care we provide

This service is available to patients with cancer.

Referrals must be made by the patient’s oncologist with the Northeast Cancer Centre. External referrals are not currently accepted.

All Speech-Language Pathology services are available in French and English and certain services can be available in the comfort of your own home by telephone and virtual visits. Our team respects diversity.

What to expect

Frequently asked questions

Why am I seeing a Speech-Language Pathologist if I have no difficulty communicating?

You likely have been referred to meet with a Speech-Language Pathologist with the Northeast Cancer Centre because of the treatment you are receiving (e.g. head and neck cancer treatment), or if you shared with your oncology team that you are having trouble swallowing. Two areas of expertise in Speech-Language Pathology are swallowing assessment and rehabilitation, and care of patients who receive total laryngectomy surgery. Speech-Language Pathologists practice in a variety of settings (e.g. schools, hospitals, long-term care, community health networks, etc.) and are able to provide many different types of assessments and treatments, all under the regulation of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario.

Do I need to prepare/fast for a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (formerly known as Modified Barium Swallow Study)?

If you have been identified by your Speech-Language Pathologist as having difficulty swallowing, they may recommend a type of test called a videofluoroscopic swallow study. This study uses an X-ray machine to take a video of your mouth and throat as you swallow. The Speech-Language Pathologist may ask you to try several different food/drink items in order to determine the safety and efficiency of the swallow. Unlike some other diagnostic imaging tests, you do not need to prepare or fast for this visit.

How long does the videofluoroscopic swallow study take?

The test itself takes usually takes 15 minutes to a half hour to complete.

How long does a virtual/telephone/in-person consult with the Speech-Language Pathologist take?

Typically initial consults take a half hour to 1 hour to complete.

Address:

Health Sciences North
Ramsey Lake Health Centre
Northeast Cancer Centre, Level 1
41 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 5J1

Phone: 705-522-6237 ext. 2175

Toll free:1-877-228-1822 ext. 2175

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm