How can I manage changes in my sense of taste during cancer treatment?

Changes in taste, such as experiencing a metallic or salty taste, or feeling like food has the texture of cardboard, are common side effects of certain types of chemotherapy, biological therapy, and head and neck radiation therapy [4]. These changes are typically temporary; after chemotherapy, the sense of taste usually improves within three to four weeks, while it may take longer after radiation therapy, often beginning to improve two to three months after treatment ends [5]. It is important to communicate with your healthcare team to monitor these changes and ensure adequate nutrition is maintained.

Practical Adjustments in Eating Habits

Some simple changes in eating habits can help make food more palatable and reduce the severity of taste changes:

• If you experience a metallic taste, try using plastic or wooden utensils instead of metal cutlery when eating [4] [5].
• Choose foods with strong flavors, and season your food with herbs or spices to enhance the taste, or try adding strong sauces such as curry or sweet and sour for meat and fish [4].
• If tea or coffee have an unusual taste, you may find that lemon or green tea are better alternative options [4].
• Try eating foods cold or at room temperature; many people find these more acceptable than hot foods, which can release strong odors that you might not tolerate during treatment [4] [5].
• Try eating small amounts of food at frequent intervals (3 tablespoons, 3-5 times daily) to encourage taste buds to adapt to different textures and flavors [5].

Oral Hygiene Care

Good oral care is an integral part of managing taste changes, as maintaining mouth cleanliness helps reduce the buildup of unpleasant tastes. The following is recommended:

• Clean your mouth and teeth gently every morning, evening, and after every meal using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste [4].
• Use a saline mouthwash (one teaspoon of salt to 900 ml of water) at least four times a day to cleanse the mouth and remove debris [4].
• Ensure you drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid daily, and use water to rinse your mouth between bites while eating to help cleanse the mouth and stimulate taste buds [4] [5].
• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they can irritate the oral mucosa [4].

Medical Follow-up and Importance of Support

Do not ignore changes that acutely affect your ability to eat and drink. If your mouth is very dry, your doctor or nurse may suggest using artificial saliva products [4]. Specialists can also refer you to a nutrition team if needed to ensure you receive necessary calories and essential nutrients. For more information on enhancing quality of life during treatment, you can review the article Living with Cancer: Managing Pain, Fatigue, and Improving Quality of Life (Arabic), which provides additional guidance on coping with the treatment journey and potential side effects. Always remember that open communication with your medical team is key to providing appropriate support for your individual case [4].

Medical references

• Mouth care during and after cancer treatment - Overview | Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
• Taste changes | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust