Coping with Oral Cancer Post-Treatment Disabilities: Rehabilitation and Recovery

Oral cancer is a leading type of cancer worldwide. Oral cancer and its treatment often result in significant disabilities that impact patients’ quality of life. This chapter explores the multifaceted challenges faced by oral cancer patients’ post-treatment, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery strategies. The primary physical disabilities include difficulties with speech, xerostomia, mastication, malnutrition, oral mucositis, trismus, and aesthetic alterations, which in turn affect psychosocial well-being. Social stigma surrounding oral cancer can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, ultimately complicating therapy and increasing the likelihood of severe post-treatment disabilities. Rehabilitation programs for oral cancer survivors to alleviate the quality of life should be of multidisciplinary in nature, integrating the oncologists, dentists, speech and language therapists, dieticians, physical therapists, and mental health professionals. Early intervention and tailored rehabilitation plans are critical in promoting optimal recovery.