About Session
Vulnerability, Stigma and Psychosocial Impact
Laryngectomy, the removal of the larynx, is a life-saving but life-changing procedure, most often performed for throat cancer. The surgery alters voice, swallow, smell, taste, intimacy, social activity, and even daily routines such as bathing and defecation, all of which can negatively affect quality of life. The male-to-female ratio of laryngectomees is approximately 4:1, with a mean age of 60. For women, the psychosocial impact is amplified. Their low-pitched substitute voices often leave them vulnerable to discrimination, including misgendering and disregard, while the association of throat cancer with alcohol and smoking carries heightened stigma for women. The added disproportionate burden of caring responsibilities for women further complicates recovery.
Our study focused on five female members of the Shout at Cancer Laryngectomy Choir (ages 42–75), representing diverse social backgrounds, professions and family arrangements. Using feminist Grounded Theory, an interactive workshop (led by a female singing coach with expertise in pedagogy, rehabilitation and the socio-political psychology of marginalised voices) identified themes for follow-up in individual, unstructured interviews.
Findings highlight that altered voice with limited expressive range profoundly affected all aspects of participants’ professional and personal lives. Combined with negative social experiences, these challenges prolonged psychological recovery and adaptation. Participants emphasised that laryngectomy heightened vulnerability to discrimination and social exclusion and made underlying societal gender inequalities more visible and confronting. Our study highlights the implications of these experiences for the multidisciplinary care team supporting female laryngectomy patients.
