Taste Alteration in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: Iraqi Study

A comparative study was earned out between two groups (50) patients with cancer who were not taking chemotherapy and others (50) patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy (C T). They were compared regarding the effect of chemotherapy on taste sensation and its impact on the nutritional status of the patients. The study earned out in Morgan teaching hospital, oncology department. Questionnaires were developed after literatures review and research related to this subject. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires which were completed by the researchers during patient's interview, and patients were asked if they felt taste alteration after tasted the four samples of food, sweet, salt, sour and bitter. A non- probability (purposive) sample which was consisted of (50) cancer patients receiving chemotherapy compared with other (50) patients with cancer. The study showed a general reduction in the appreciation of various food items and primary taste following chemotherapy. The study recommended that a specific food intake should be encouraged for patients, patients also should be advised to avoid food which may cause irritation to mucus membrane of the mouth to achieve a reasonable nutritional status.