Dysgeusia
(Taste changes)

Taste / smell changes are often experienced by people who are receiving radiation therapy for Head and Neck cancers.  It is also common for people who are receiving chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan (regardless of where radiation therapy is targeted).

Head & Neck cancer treatment can affect sense of smell & taste of food making it seem:

Due to changes in taste, you might notice a change in your appetite or food preferences. If you are unable to taste foods, you might be less inclined to eat as eating is not as enjoyable as before your treatment. 

It is common for taste changes to improve following treatment, but it can take up to several months.  In some cases, unfortunately taste changes may be permanent.

If you are experiencing taste changes:

• Experiment with different foods and tastes - foods that you once found enjoyable may not be tasting the same; therefore, you may need to experiment to find more enjoyable foods.

• If food is lacking taste, try foods that you remember to be bland or ‘not your favourite’ to reduce the expectation not meeting the reality and causing negative associations with eating.

• Distraction – watching TV/ reading a book/ talking with friends and family during mealtimes may be useful.

• Use of plastic cutlery if you are having difficulty with a metallic taste.

• If nausea is impacting on your ability to eat, ensure you discuss these concerns with your treating team. You may need to be prescribed with an anti-nausea medication by the radiation oncologist.

• Continue regular mouthwashes. 

• Continue with good oral hygiene by cleaning your teeth at least twice per day.

• It can be useful to view food as fuel for your body that is required to meet your nutritional goals during treatment.

If you require assistance with managing taste changes please speak to an Oncology Nurse to obtain a Dietitian referral.

Page reviewed 5th May 2021