18/03/2026
Today is Swallowing Awareness Day in Australia and this story is a little different as it is both a personal and professional reflection from WA Centre for Rural Health senior lecturer and speech pathologist Kathryn Fitzgerald.
โFor many, swallowing is something we rarely think about until it changes. Six years ago, our familyโs world shifted when my husband, Graeme, was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. At the time, we were raising four children, young teenagers and young adults, and like many families, this experience affected everyone. Today, we are incredibly grateful that Graeme is well, but like many survivors, his journey didnโt end with medical treatment for head and neck cancer. He now lives with chronic dysphagia. For people like Graeme living in rural and remote areas, these challenges can be even more complex, with reduced access to specialised services and supports. Dysphagia is often invisible, but its impact is profound. Itโs not just about the physical challenge of swallowing, itโs about the social moments we so often take for granted. Sharing meals as a family, going out together, enjoying favourite foods, these experiences can become complex and sometimes isolatingโ
Living in a rural area also brings additional challenges. Access to services can be limited, meaning people often must travel long distances or go without the care they need. This highlights why it is so important to train and support a rural speech pathology workforce with skills across all areas of practice, particularly in rural and remote communities, so that everyone can access the care they deserve. At WACRH we aim to provide our speech pathology students with experience across all areas of practice, including dysphagia.
Kathryn is very aware of the strength and resilience that people living with dysphagia show โEvery day, people living with dysphagia show courage, creativity, and determination. They find new ways to nourish themselves, to stay connected, and to continue participating in lifeโs meaningful moments. I see this through my work with people who live with dysphagia and how Graeme navigates chronic dysphagiaโ.
If you or someone you care for is experiencing swallowing difficulties or dysphagia, please reach out to a speech pathologist, either directly or through your GP. Support is available, and early help can make a difference. For further information about head and neck cancer visit www.headandneckcancer.org.au.
On Swallowing Awareness Day, we recognise the realities and courage of those living with dysphagia and the importance of ensuring people have access to the care and support they need, wherever they live.
