Jacqui Frowen Q&A

Jacqui Frowen
Clinical Lead Speech Pathologist

What are you researching in lay terms?

My research focuses on swallowing problems after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. I investigate the nature, prevalence and causes of these swallowing problems, such as late radiation fibrosis and internal lymphoedema (swelling). Current research is also focusing on novel treatment to address these problems and thus, improve swallowing function so that patients can safety and comfortably eat and drink.

What motivated you to come and work at Peter Mac?

Peter Mac is clinical excellence and world-class research under one roof! It allows me to be a true clinician-researcher while being surrounded by incredibly clever people who are equally motivated to improve outcomes for cancer patients.

What drives you to achieve better outcomes for cancer patients?

Head and neck cancer and it's treatment can be devastating for patients. It can leave them with significant side effects that impact their quality of life forever. When I meet someone who can't enjoy a meal with their family, or refuses to go to a restaurant for fear of coughing and choking, it drives me to try and find better solutions - to either fix the problem or to provide better support in situations where we can't fix it.

How will your research improve outcomes for cancer patients?

My research aims to more accurately identify patients who are at high risk of swallowing problems so that we can direct services to those who need it most. I also hope to identify treatment options so that we can help improve swallowing function and thus improve quality of life for people following head and neck cancer treatment.