How do I deal with changes in taste and smell during Ovarian Cancer treatment

Managing Taste and Smell Changes During Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Taste and smell changes are common side effects during cancer treatment, and the good news is there are practical strategies to help you manage them.

Why This Happens

Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments attack rapidly dividing cells throughout your body—including the cells in your mouth, throat, and the sensory receptors that control taste and smell. This can cause foods to taste metallic, bland, or completely different from how you remember them. Some patients find their favorite foods suddenly taste unappetizing, which can be frustrating and affect your nutrition during treatment.

Practical Strategies to Help

Focus on what you CAN eat:

• Eat several small meals throughout the day rather than three large ones
• Choose foods that appeal to you in the moment—don't force yourself to eat things that sound unappealing
• If you can only manage a spoonful of food, make it count: choose calorie-dense options like nut butter, fatty fish, avocados, or protein shakes

Experiment with flavors:

• Try adding seasonings you may have avoided before—some patients find that spicy foods, citrus, or strong flavors help overcome the metallic taste
• Use marinades, sauces, and herbs to make foods more interesting
• Ginger and peppermint can help with both taste issues and nausea

Practical eating tips:

• Use a straw when drinking beverages—this can help bypass taste buds
• Eat foods at different temperatures to find what works best
• Choose soft, moist foods if your mouth is sensitive
• Increase your protein intake, as amino acids in protein may help your mouth recover more quickly

Important: Avoid eating your favorite foods when you're feeling your worst. If you pair a beloved food with nausea or feeling poorly, you may develop an aversion to it that lasts long after treatment ends.

When to Seek Help

If taste and smell changes are making it difficult to eat enough:

• Talk to your oncology team about appetite-stimulating medications
• Ask for a referral to an oncology dietitian who specializes in helping cancer patients. They can provide personalized strategies based on YOUR specific situation and food preferences
• Keep track of which foods work for you and which don't—this information helps your care team support you better

Key Takeaway

According to guidance from integrative oncology experts, the goal during treatment is to "eat what you can, when you can"—this is not the time to restrict your diet or worry about "perfect" nutrition. Focus on getting calories and protein in whatever form appeals to you.

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Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team

1. Are there appetite-stimulating medications that might help me eat more?
2. Can you refer me to an oncology dietitian who can help me manage taste changes?
3. Are there specific foods I should avoid during treatment?
4. How long do taste and smell changes typically last after treatment ends?
5. What signs should I watch for that might indicate I'm not getting enough nutrition?

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.