Changes in Taste and Smell with Cancer Treatment

Your sense of taste or smell may change with cancer treatments. Some foods may have a bitter or metallic taste or may be less tasteful. Changes in taste and smell often improve after cancer treatment is complete.

Visit your dentist to rule out dental problems that may affect your taste.
Try these changes to improve taste and smell:
• Choose foods that look and smell good to you.
• Eat high protein foods like chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, mild tasting fish or tofu.
• Marinate meat, chicken or fish in sweet fruit juices, sweet wine, Italian salad dressing, or sweet and sour sauce.
• Use small amounts of seasonings such as basil, oregano or rosemary.
• If odors bother you, serve food at room temperature, turn on a kitchen fan, cover food when cooking or cook outdoors if possible.

Talk to your doctor, nurse or dietitian about dealing with any eating problems you may have.