Eating and drinking
After radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, eating and drinking can remain difficult due to lingering side effects such as dry mouth, taste changes and swallowing challenges. Recovery is gradual, and starting with soft, moist foods and plenty of fluids can help. Using sauces or gravies, avoiding dry or acidic foods, and continuing swallowing exercises are important. Support from dietitians and speech therapists can assist with improving nutrition and rebuilding confidence with eating.
- Eating After Radiotherapy to Head and Neck area (Queensland Health)
Dental and Oral Care
When your mouth and throat feel more settled after treatment, it is important to start some simple dental care strategies to look after your teeth in the long term.
Exercise
Exercise after radiation treatment for head and neck cancer is important for recovery but should be approached gradually. Fatigue, muscle stiffness, and reduced mobility are common after treatment, so starting with gentle activities like walking or stretching can help restore strength and flexibility. Incorporating exercises for the neck, shoulders and jaw supports function and reduces long-term complications. Guidance from physiotherapists or exercise specialists ensures safety and promotes a steady return to normal activity.
- Exercise for People Living with Cancer (Cancer Council)
Peripheral neuropathy
Some people may experience some damage to their nerves after going through cancer treatment. The information below may be helpful if you have noticed any tingling or changes in sensation since having your cancer treatment.
- Peripheral neuropathy (Cancer Council)
Fatigue
Radiation treatment can make you feel very tired, even after resting. This tiredness can build up over time and affect your daily activities. The information below can help you understand fatigue better and learn ways to manage it.
- Podcast: About Fatigue and Cancer (Cancer Council NSW)
- Managing cancer-related fatigue (Cancer Council NSW)
In this video, John describes his experience with fatigue during recovery from radiation and chemotherapy treatment. John and his wife Petrina talk about the challenges he faced and the small steps that helped him regain strength and confidence.
I am John from Central Queensland.
I had radiation and chemo for my throat cancer, which finished about 12 months ago.
So for two weeks after treatment I virtually sat in, or slept in, a recliner 24 7.
It was quite frightening for me because he had been such an active person. I, um, you know, used to call him the Energizer bunny.
So while it was confronting, I knew that this was just part of the course for him to recover.
After week three when I got myself out of the chair and decided I’m gonna go for a walk around the garden, just a smaller thing as that is, took a lot of effort to do.
And then I’d do that a couple of times and then I decided, no, I’m gonna walk to our front gate, which is a couple hundred meters up the road, and I did that.
Then the next thing I did is I decided I’d go down to the farm and do a little bit of tractor work.
Just from climbing up a few stairs to a tractor he had a lot of muscle soreness because he’d been lying in a recliner chair for the last probably nine or 10 weeks, and not using those muscles a lot.
Exhausted me, come home. But I really thought I’d kick the goal and gave me a really positive outlook.
It’s all about the mental attitude, having a goal and achieving it.
Don’t set anything too far away.
Keep it realistic and it gives you that good outlook that, yes, I’m gonna get through this, I’m gonna get better.
I didn’t realise before how bad it would get, and it’s a long journey, but be positive.
Don’t lose sight that it will get better.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a common side effect of radiation caused by its impact on the lymphatic system, causing fluid buildup and swelling. This can lead to puffiness in the face, neck, or inside the mouth and throat. The tips below can help if you’re experiencing this:
- Lymphoedema Fact Sheet (Head and Neck Cancer Australia)
- Lymphoedema Symptom Management (Princess Alexandra Hospital)
- Webinar: Physiotherapy and Lymphoedema after Head and Neck Cancer Treatment (Head and Neck Cancer Australia)
You can ask your team for a referral to a lymphoedema therapist (physiotherapist or occupational therapist) if you have any concerns about swelling in your head and neck that develops or worsens following radiation treatment.
Cancer survivorship
Cancer survivorship is about living well after treatment. It includes regular follow-up care, managing any long-term side effects, and focusing on your nutrition, physical activity, and emotional support. Staying connected with your healthcare team and keeping up with recommended screenings can help you feel your best and reduce future risks. The information below can help you navigate life after cancer treatment.
- Living Well After Cancer (Cancer Council)