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.
People who have radiation therapy to the head or neck area may continue to experience problems, especially when their bodies do not create enough saliva.
The importance of nutrition
Nutrition is the food and drink you need for your health and wellbeing. Good nutrition is important for people who have cancer as this will help you recover more quickly from treatment and continue your life in the best possible way.
Changes to your enjoyment of food may lead you to eat and drink less and to lose weight, which may cause malnutrition. If you are eating and drinking less, ask your doctor or nurse for a referral to see a nutrition specialist, called a dietitian, who can help you to find ways to enjoy food and meet your nutrition needs.
For more on this, call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or see Nutrition and cancer.
Listen to our podcast on Appetite Loss and Nausea
More resources
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Living Well After Cancer
Download PDF410kB -
Understanding Chemotherapy
Download PDF383kB
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Understanding Radiation Therapy
Download PDF423kB
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Understanding Surgery
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Living Well After Cancer ebook
Download ePUB818kB -
Understanding Chemotherapy ebook
Download ePUB1.01MB
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Understanding Radiation Therapy ebook
Download ePUB1001kB
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Understanding Surgery ebook
Download ePUB664kB
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.
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