Taste Alterations Among Patients With Cancer

Taste alteration is a frequent and significant problem for patients with cancer. Taste alterations are defined as changes in the usual patterns of taste perception that are unique to the person experiencing the changes (Bender, 1999). Taste alterations may occur as a result of the cancer itself, treatment of the cancer, or other social and emotional factors. Alterations in taste are not a life-threatening side effect of cancer treatment and, therefore, may be overlooked by healthcare providers. Taste alteration also has received little attention in the recent literature; however, many patients with cancer commonly experience this symptom. In a study of 59 hospitalized patients with cancer, 66% reported distressing changes in taste (Foltz, Gaines, & Gullatte, 1996). During cancer treatment, patients report that food tastes like cardboard or metal; tastes too salty, sweet, sour, or bitter; or has no taste at all (DeConno, Ripamonti, Sbanotto, & Ventafridda, 1989). This article discusses the role of clinicians in the symptom management of cancer-induced taste alterations.