Perspectives on Swallowing and Communication Challenges Following Nasopharyngeal Cancer in Malaysian Males: A Qualitative Analysis - Scorecard - MDSpire

Perspectives on Swallowing and Communication Challenges Following Nasopharyngeal Cancer in Malaysian Males: A Qualitative Analysis

  • By

  • Giuditta Smith

  • Ting Ying Boey

  • Shin Ying Chu

  • Caryn Mei Hsien Chan

  • Siti Fathiah Masre

  • Fuad Ismail

  • Maria Garraffa

  • Deborah Hersh

  • March 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Perspectives on Swallowing and Communication Challenges Following Nasopharyngeal Cancer in Malaysian Males: A Qualitative Analysis

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionNasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC)
Key MechanismsArises from the mucosal epithelium of the nasopharynx; associated with treatment-related complications such as xerostomia and dysphagia.
Target PopulationMale Malaysian citizens diagnosed with NPC.
Care SettingOncology and Radiotherapy Department, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Key Highlights

  • NPC is the fifth most common cancer in Malaysian men, with higher prevalence in Chinese Malaysians.
  • Common treatment-related issues include dry mouth and swallowing difficulties.
  • Dysphagia affects nearly 75.4% of HNC patients post-treatment.
  • Impaired communication significantly impacts quality of life in NPC patients.
  • Culturally sensitive interventions are needed to address patient experiences.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Assess swallowing and communication difficulties in NPC patients.

Management

  • Implement speech and language therapy services for HNC patients.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regularly evaluate the swallowing and communication status of patients post-treatment.

Risks

  • High rates of smoking and alcohol consumption are significant risk factors for HNC.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Male Malaysian citizens with NPC undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiation.

Patients report significant swallowing difficulties and impaired communication post-treatment.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Proactively offer support on swallowing and communication to NPC patients.
  • Utilize culturally sensitive approaches in patient care.
  • Encourage referrals to speech and language therapy for affected patients.

References

Original Source(s)

Perspectives on Swallowing and Communication Challenges Following Nasopharyngeal Cancer in Malaysian Males: A Qualitative Analysis

  • by Giuditta Smith, Ting Ying Boey, Shin Ying Chu, Caryn Mei Hsien Chan, Siti Fathiah Masre, Fuad Ismail, Maria Garraffa, Deborah Hersh

  • March 10, 2026

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