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During Treatment

About This Resource  

Author: Waterloo-Wellington Regional Cancer Program

Revised: December 2024

PEM#: PEMGRRCC0021

Download this resource (PDF)

Resources for Patients, Family Members, & Care Partners

Pathfinders are quick access guides to credible health information. The healthcare team at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre has approved these resources.

Find out more by clicking on the blue text or scanning a QR code with your cellphone camera.

Websites

Links to key websites for more information about trouble swallowing (dysphagia).

Cook For Your Life - Easy to Swallow Recipes - Fred Hutch Cancer Centre

Search function to find easy to swallow recipes online.

EAT-10 Swallowing Assessment Tool - Nestle Health Sciences

A survey that you can fill out to help screen for swallowing problems.

Mouth and Throat Problems: Cancer Treatment Side Effects - National Cancer Institute

Detailed overview of dysphagia and the types of dysphagia you might experience.

Supportive Care Team - Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program

Outlining the role of Registered Dietitians, Speech Language Pathologists and Registered Social Workers.

Swallowing Problems - Canadian Cancer Society

Overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of dysphagia.

Print-Friendly Online Resources

All of the links below will lead you to printer-friendly, online handouts. If you don’t have a printer, visit or email the J. Wesley Graham Patient & Family Resource Centre to get a free copy.

Coping with Trouble Swallowing - Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Centre

In-depth overview of trouble swallowing and key information about when to contact your healthcare team.

Easy to Chew Easy to Swallow Food Ideas - BC Cancer Agency

Booklet that goes over soft, extra-soft and liquid food ideas.

Easy to Chew Foods For People With Dysphagia - University Health Network

Booklet that goes through how to prepare easy to chew/thickened foods.

Nourishing Liquids: Smoothies and Blended Drinks - BC Cancer Agency

High-calorie, high-protein liquid meal and snack ideas. Learn how to thin or thicken liquids.

Books

Use the legend at the bottom of this page to see where a book can be found.

Modern Dysphagia Cooking: Turn Family Favourites into Dysphagia-Friendly Dishes

Modern Dysphagia Cooking: Turn Family Favourites into Dysphagia-Friendly Dishes

Laurie Berger MBA RD LD, Paul Haefner, John Holahan BS MBA, Nancy A. Yezzi RDN LD; 2023

A cookbook focusing on nutrition, presentation, and flavor. Follows the diet levels of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative.

Simply Modified Cookbook

Brie Simons, Speech Pathologist; 2024: Mouthwatering dishes tailored to meet the unique needs of people who have trouble swallowing.

Soft Foods for Easier Eating Cookbook

Sandra Woodruff & Lead Gilbert-Henderson; 2009: Recipe book that teaches you how to change recipes for soft and smooth textures.

The Soft Diet for Chewing and Swallowing Difficulties: Nutritious, Appetizing and Practical Recipes

Rita Greer; 2016: Offers a range of soft recipes for everyday meals and special occasions.

Think Outside the Blender

Maria Quici; 2014: Recipes created by a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years experience working with adults with dysphagia.

Support Programs & Group Classes 

In-person or online support groups/classes that help you connect to others with similar experience.

Dysphagia Support Group - Aging Swallow Research Lab (McMaster University)

A free, monthly, virtual support group for people with swallowing trouble and their care partners.

CancerConnection - Canadian Cancer Society

A safe, online, peer support community for people with cancer to connect, learn, and share experiences. Care partners welcome.

National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders - Facebook Support Group

This is an adult swallowing disorders online support group available to: patients, family members, caregivers, and friends.

Social Media 

Find more information by adding organizations to your social media circle

Dysphagia Outreach Project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DysphagiaOutreachProject/about/

Instagram: @Dysphagiaoutreachproject

International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DysphagiaOutreachProject/about/

Instagram: @iddsi

National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nfosd/

QR Codes

J. Wesley Graham Patient & Family Resource Centre

Black and white QR code displayed on a plain white background.

Volunteers can help you find more information about your cancer, symptoms, or care. They can print or email resources. Find the resource centre on the 3rd floor (main floor) of Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.

[email protected]

519-749-4380 x2080

Learn more about the Patient & Family Resource Centre
Logo for Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)
Black and white QR code on a white background. The QR code is centered and contains encoded digital information.

Use this resource for your information only. It does not replace medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professionals.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.cancerwaterloowellington.ca

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