CHENNAI, TAMILNADU, 02/06/2026: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre launches Comprehensive Vouce, Airway and Swallow Clinic on Tuesday. Photo. Ragu R / The Hindu
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) on Tuesday launched a ‘Comprehensive Voice, Airway and Swallow Clinic’ (C-VASC) to provide aftercare support to individuals who had undergone treatments for head and neck cancers and are having difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing.A press release said the initiative sought to assist patients in recovering vital functions and enhancing their quality of life post-cancer treatment by merging technologies with rehabilitation support.Karan Puri, chief executive officer, APCC and Apollo Speciality Hospitals, said post-treatment, survivors of head and neck cancers faced a lot of problems, such as difficulty in breathing and, sometimes, talking. “This is why rehabilitation and recovery matters. The clinic brings together specialists from oncology, ENT, and speech and swallow therapy so patients can get everything under one roof,” he said.Sapna Nangia, director, department of radiation oncology (head, neck, and breast), APCC, said head and neck cancers were the most common cancers among Indian men. Speaking about voice preservation in cancer treatment, she pointed out that radiation played an integral part for voice preservation treatments, including for laryngeal cancer.Naveen Hedne, senior consultant, head and neck, surgical oncology, APCC, said patients should overcome their fear and seek timely treatment for head and neck cancers. The focus is not only on cure but care beyond cure, he said.Arathi Soman, speech therapist, said breathing, speaking, and eating were basic functions for a human being. About 80% of patients with head and neck cancers have either one or multiple of these functions impaired. The symptoms include hoarseness of voice, strained voice, shortness of breath, chronic coughing, noisy breathing, pain while swallowing, and coughing during meals. The common cause in head and neck cancer patients is tumour location, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.“Many walk away post treatments as warriors but have altered quality of life such as inhibitions eating in public spaces or speaking over the phone. The clinic aims to improve not only cancer survival but also provide the survivors a better quality of life,” Dr. Soman said.The clinic will also offer professional voice care for singers, actors, dubbing artists, news anchors, attorneys, and radio jockeys. Sandip Duarah, senior consultant, head and neck, surgical oncology, was also present. Published - June 02, 2026 08:26 pm IST
