Taste changes after Head and Neck Cancer: Understanding and managing a new normal
For many people with Head and Neck Cancer, treatment can make it hard to eat and drink. The simple pleasures that we all take for granted of tasting and enjoying food may change because of surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, including causing pain and difficulty swallowing, reduced saliva or changes to the way food tastes. These changes can significantly impact a person’s nutrition, quality of life, and emotional well-being.
Many people who have been treated for Head and Neck Cancer describe some foods as tasting sour or bitter reducing their enjoyment of food.
As part of Challenge 440, participants are taking on the Suck Something Sour challenge to raise awareness about the impact Head and Neck Cancer treatment can have on eating and drinking.
How does Head and Neck Cancer treatment affect taste?
Taste disturbances are a common side effect of cancer treatment, with many people experiencing:
- Loss of taste (ageusia): A complete inability to taste food.
- Reduced taste sensitivity (hypogeusia): A diminished ability to detect flavours.
- Altered taste perceptions: Foods may taste unusually bitter, metallic, or excessively sweet or salty.
- Heightened sourness: Some people report an overpowering sour taste, making certain foods unappetising.
Learn more about changes to taste
Radiation therapy for Head and Neck Cancer can damage the taste buds and alter saliva production. Since saliva plays a key role in breaking down food and carrying flavours, a dry mouth (xerostomia) can further exacerbate taste changes.
Learn more about oral health and head and neck cancer
Can taste return to normal?
For some people, taste begins to recover a few months after treatment ends. However, for others, the changes can be long-term or even permanent. The extent of recovery depends on factors such as the type of treatment, the dosage of radiation, and individual differences in healing.
Managing taste changes
While there is no single solution for taste disturbances, there are strategies to manage them. Learn more about eating and nutrition after Head and Neck Cancer.
Support and resources
If you or a loved one are experiencing taste changes, you are not alone. Find support groups and community connections near you.
Adjusting to a new taste profile can be frustrating, but small changes and ongoing support can make a big difference. If you need guidance, speak with your healthcare team, dietitian, or a support group to find the best ways to manage these challenges.
