Some cancer treatments can change how food tastes and smells. Here are some easy ways to help you deal with these changes and stay healthy.
 | Keep a record of any changesList the time of day, how far from the start or end of your treatment cycle you are, and what food and drink you are having. This will help the treatment team work out the causes and suggest ways to manage the side effects. |
 | Experiment with different foods and drinksTreatment can change how things taste and smell, making some foods less appealing. This could cause you to miss out on important nutrients. Finding tasty and healthy options is key. |
| Keep your mouth clean and freshClean your teeth with a soft toothbrush after each meal, and regularly rinse your mouth with salt water. This can help ease any bad taste you have in your mouth. |
| Eat little and oftenIf you have lost your appetite or feel sick, try having smaller, more frequent meals or snacks that are high in protein. |
| Get help for feeling sickTalk to your specialist or GP if you are experiencing nausea as they may be able to prescribe a medicine to help. |
| Use a strawUse a straw to bypass tastebuds. This can help you drink nutrient-rich foods like soups or healthy drinks without tasting them as much. |
Why good nutrition is important
Nutrition refers to the food and drink you need for your health and wellbeing. Good nutrition is
especially important after a cancer diagnosis as it can help you feel better during treatment and
recover more quickly.
Changes to your enjoyment of food can lead you to eat and drink less and may cause malnutrition. If
you are eating and drinking less, notice significant weight loss or experience changes in bowel
movements, talk to your doctor or nurse.
They may suggest you see a health professional called a dietitian, who can help you find ways to enjoy food and also meet your nutritional needs.
For more information see Nutrition and cancer. To find a dietitian near you, go to dietitiansaustralia.org.au/find-dietitian.
Podcast: Appetite Loss and Nausea
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Video: Nutrition and cancer
More resources
Isabel Bailey, Dietitian, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Dietetics Team, NSW; Lyn Leaver, Consumer; Paula Macleod, Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Nurse Coordinator, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW; Rosemary Martin, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Oncology, Broken Hill Base Hospital, NSW; Catherine Meredith, Consumer; Louise Moodie, Director Dietetics, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, QLD; Chris Rivett, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Jess Smith, Medical Oncologist, GenesisCare Campbelltown, NSW.
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