Pathway Program
Mission: The AOC Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) Pathway Program’s mission is to deliver the highest level of evidence-based and collaborative care. We strive to provide optimal functional outcomes and ensure that no patient is alone through their journey of HNC.
PREHAB PATHWAY: Before starting radiation and/or chemotherapy, you will complete a baseline swallow study and hearing evaluation. You will receive extensive education and recommendations for managing the side effects of treatment.
SURVIVOR PATHWAY: After you complete treatment, our speech-language pathologist (SLP) and audiologist will help manage any side effects and optimize swallow and head/neck-related function. We will address your concerns related to swallowing, hearing, taste, voice and much more!
SURVIVOR NETWORK: You will have a yearly follow-up with our collaborative team of providers to maintain and optimize your overall function and quality of life post-treatment.
Side Effects of Oral/Head/Neck Cancer (OHNC) Diagnosis and Treatment May Include But Are Not Limited To:
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), voice changes (dysphonia) or dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Reduced jaw opening (trismus)
- Lymphedema
- Fatigue
- Mucositis (pain/sores in the mouth)
- Changes in taste
- Fibrosis
- Ringing, buzzing, pulsing sound or plugged sensation in the ears
- Ear pain or pressure
- Muffled sound or difficulty hearing
- Dizziness, vertigo and balance issues
There are a variety of methods to manage these side effects—AOC is here to help you! Ask your provider to enroll you in our HNC Pathway Program today.
Support Groups
At AOC Physicians, we have two different support groups—the Valley of the Sun dysphonia support group through Dysphonia International and our own chapter of SPOHNC, Support for People with Oral/Head/Neck Cancer.
Valley of the Sun meetings are on the third Thursday of every other month at 5:30 p.m. MST, and SPOHNC meetings are on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. MST. Meetings involve a speaker/topic as well as a discussion/support portion and usually last around one hour.
All are welcome! If you are interested, please email Sara Davis, M.A., CCC-SLP, at sarad@aocphysicians.com to be added to either email list, and you will receive all info and updates related to meetings, links and follow-ups.