Taste Changes During Cancer Therapy

OncoLink
Last Modified: January 17, 2012

What are Taste Changes?

People going through cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy frequently report changes in taste. In fact, one study found that this occurred in 66% of patients. These changes can include food and drinks tasting like metal, an aversion to certain foods, or a change in the taste of their favorite foods.

Radiation therapy to the head and neck area can make taste problems worse or cause xerostomia (dry mouth caused by a decrease in or loss of saliva), which can add to the problem. Dental problems can add to taste changes, so a visit to the dentist may be in order (be sure to check with your oncologist to identify the best time during therapy to see a dentist).

Although the problem with taste changes typically resolves after therapy is stopped, it can persist for a year or longer after therapy. There are some things you can do to help manage taste changes and, in the process, decrease or prevent weight loss.

Rinse your mouth before meals with salt water or ginger ale or brush your teeth.
Avoid cigarette smoking, this can make taste changes worse.
Try making the flavors more powerful with the addition of spices, herbs, marinades, lemon juice, sauces or pickled foods.
Choose foods with strong flavors such as lemon (lemon meringue, a lemon marinade, etc.).
Avoid any acidic additives if you have mouth sores. While it seems logical that spicy foods should be avoided with mouth sores, research has found that capsaicin (which is derived from chili peppers) can be used to treat pain from mouth sores, so it may be helpful for some.
Try to overpower a metallic taste with lemon drops, hard candy, mints or gum. These can also help stimulate saliva for those dealing with xerostomia.
If a metallic taste is your concern; use plastic utensils and drink beverages from bottles, not cans.
Beef is particularly prone to tasting metallic, so you may want to replace it with other forms of protein like chicken, eggs or dairy products.
Make meal time a social and enjoyable experience. Invite your visitors to come at meal time and eat with you.
Consult with the cancer center dietitian for help with food selections.