How long do changes last?

It’s common to have changes in taste during treatment and for a short time afterwards. It may take several months for your sense of taste to return to normal. In some cases, taste changes may be permanent. Most changes will get better with time, but this depends on what type of treatment you have and where the cancer is in your body. Your doctor will be able to tell you how long your senses are likely to be affected.

If you have chemotherapy, you might notice that symptoms change during the course of a single treatment cycle. For example, flavour problems are usually worse in the first week after chemotherapy and then gradually improve. Studies have shown that people who only have chemotherapy treatment start to taste and enjoy food two months after treatment has ended.

Radiation therapy or surgery to the head or neck area can damage the salivary glands, and you may continue to experience problems for some time.

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