Cancer treatments and the cancer itself can change the way some foods taste. Taste changes can contribute to anorexia, poor nutrition, and weight changes. With taste changes caused by chemotherapy, you may notice things like:
- Either a dislike of or an increased desire for sweet foods
- Dislike of foods with bitter tastes
- Dislike of tomatoes and tomato products
- Dislike of beef or pork
- Constant metallic or medicinal taste in your mouth
These changes occur because chemotherapy drugs can change the taste receptor cells in your mouth. Nutritional deficits, oral hygiene, mouth or sinus infections, dentures, and unpleasant odors can also affect your ability to taste. Changes in taste and smell may continue as long as chemotherapy is being given, or even longer. Several weeks after chemotherapy has ended, taste and smell sensations usually (but not always) return to normal.
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