Smell changes: simple ways to cope
During treatment the sense of smell can sharpen or change: food smells that were once pleasant can now bring on nausea. This section covers ways to reduce the effect of smells.
01Short answer
02Simple explanation
Cold food smells less.
Let someone else cook.
Ventilate.
The 2-hour rule.
03Scientific explanation
Smell and taste work together; chemotherapy affects smell receptors too, and smell sensitivity can make nausea worse.
ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.
NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.
04What happens in the body?
Where to eat
Away from the kitchen, somewhere cool and well aired.
Cooking
Lidded pans, oven cooking and short cooking times.
Dietitian
If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safety
Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.
05Nutrition: four steps
Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.
06Key points at a glance
| Topic | In brief |
|---|---|
 Where to eat | Away from the kitchen, somewhere cool and well aired. |
 Cooking | Lidded pans, oven cooking and short cooking times. |
 Dietitian | If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian. |
| Food safety | Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage. |
07Key terms
- Hyperosmia
- Increased sensitivity to smell.
- Parosmia
- Distorted sense of smell.
- Dietitian
- A nutrition specialist.
- Protein
- A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
- Neutropenia
- Low neutrophils.
08Key points
- Cold foods.
- Fresh air.
- Fewer strong-smelling dishes.
- A diet is not a treatment.
- Talk to a dietitian.
09Frequently asked questions
How long does it last?
It usually eases after treatment ends.
What if it comes with nausea?
See the nausea section and tell your team.
Can a special diet cure leukemia?
No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.
10Questions for your doctor
Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.
How long does it last?
What if it comes with nausea?
Can a special diet cure leukemia?
12Sources
- National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
- ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
- World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
- NHS. Salt: the facts
- American Heart Association. Sodium and salt
- MedlinePlus. Sodium in diet
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs. Turmeric
- Food Standards Agency (UK). Best before and use-by dates
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Botulism: Prevention