Taste Changes During Cancer Therapy

When you have taste changes, food and drinks no longer taste the same way to you. Some cancer treatments can change your sense of taste. These changes can make food and drink taste bitter or like metal, or can “put you off” to certain foods. Even your favorite foods might taste different.

How does cancer treatment affect your sense of taste?

Cancer treatment can affect your mouth and cause side effects that change how things taste:

• Some treatments, like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can damage your taste buds and sense of smell.
• Xerostomia is when your mouth is dry. It is caused by not enough saliva being made. It can make taste changes worse and can make you lose interest in eating.
• Dental problems can add to taste changes. You should have regular dental checkups. Be sure to check with your oncology team to find the best time during treatment to see a dentist. 
• Mucositis (mouth sores) can also cause changes in taste.

How can you manage taste changes?

Taste changes can make you not enjoy eating or drinking. You may not be able to eat or drink enough to get the nutrition you need. Taste changes often go away over time after treatment ends, but they can last for a year or longer. Some things you can do to help manage taste changes and prevent weight loss are:

• Rinse your mouth before meals with saltwater, sparkling water, or ginger ale, or brush your teeth.
• Avoid cigarette or cigar smoking, as this can make taste changes worse.
• Try to make your food more flavorful by adding spices, herbs, marinades, lemon juice, sauces, or pickled foods.
• Avoid acidic foods if you have mouth sores.
• Capsaicin, which comes from chili peppers and makes food spicy, can be used to treat pain from mouth sores, so it may be helpful for some.
• Try to mask a metallic taste with lemon drops, sugar-free hard candy, mints, or gum. These things can also help you make more saliva. You can also use plastic utensils and drink beverages from bottles, not cans.
• Beef can taste metallic, so you may want to replace it with other forms of protein, like chicken, eggs, or dairy products.
• Meet with a cancer center dietitian to talk about food options.

Taste changes can make you lose interest in eating. Some ways that you can increase your desire or ability to eat enough for proper nutrition include:

• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Have snacks ready for when you feel hungry.
• Make mealtime a social and enjoyable experience. Invite your visitors to come at mealtime to eat with you.
• Eat foods that you enjoy. Milkshakes, puddings, sauces, and gravies can provide extra calories or lubrication to assist in eating.
• An attractive presentation of food can increase your appetite. Try meals that include bright-colored foods at a set table to appeal to your other senses.

If you are having a hard time eating or drinking due to taste changes, let your provider know so that they can help you make changes.