Taste and smell changes

Cancer patients often experience changes in taste, smell, or texture of food before, during, and after treatment. These changes can lead to appetite loss, weight loss, and malnutrition, which can worsen treatment side effects and reduce muscle strength. It’s important to understand and manage these changes to maintain nutrition and health.

Download PDF

How do we experience flavour?

Discover the science behind experiencing flavor and how our taste buds, sense of smell, and touch work together to create unique flavors.

How does cancer and treatment affect taste, smell and touch?

How does cancer treatment affect your senses? Learn about the changes and challenges you may face during your treatment.

What changes could I experience?

Learn about the possible taste and smell changes during and after treatment. Explore how these changes can affect your perception of food and beverages.

How long do changes last?

Find out how long taste changes may last during and after cancer treatment. Gain insights into the recovery process and factors impacting the duration.

How to manage taste, smell and touch changes

Learn how to manage changes to taste, smell, and touch. Get tips from experts, develop an eating plan, and keep a record to understand and manage side effects.

Podcast for people affected by cancer

Listen now

Need to talk?

Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions.

This information was last updated in December 2020. See who reviewed this content.

Emma McKie, Clinical Dietitian, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Cecilia Barling, Consumer; Dawn Bedwell 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland, QLD; Gillian Blanchard, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; Dr Karen Taylor, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare Radiation Oncology, VIC.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.