This audit aimed to determine the perception and prevalence of dysgeusia in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients that underwent radiotherapy treatment at a regional cancer care centre. A retrospective audit of computer based medical records was completed, involving 27 patients who met audit criteria who were diagnosed with HNC and treated with radiotherapy between 01/01/2022-31/12/2022 at a regional radiation oncology centre. Patients were required to have Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Dysgeusia scoring documented for both pre and post radiotherapy treatment. Patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy and/or classified as ‘Nil by Mouth’ were excluded. Data obtained also pertained to weight fluctuation pre and post radiotherapy treatment, radiotherapy Gray dosing, subjective taste disturbance descriptors, location and type of malignancy, smoking and alcohol status, and occupation. Allied health input was audited for consistency of adverse effect counselling for dysgeusia specifically pre radiotherapy treatment. Results found 59.2% of patients reported dysgeusia post radiotherapy treatment. Treatment sites included: buccal, larynx, lip, oral cavity, neck, nose, parotid, sino-nasal cavity, thyroid and tongue. 66.7% of patients underwent adjuvant radiotherapy, 18.5% underwent palliative radiotherapy and 14.8% underwent radiotherapy only. Popular present or retired occupations of patients included farmers and truck drivers. 29.6% of patients received dysgeusia counselling post radiotherapy treatment by an allied health professional.Generally, patients experienced dysgeusia post radiotherapy, regardless of Gray dose. Discrepancies in location of radiotherapy site may influence dysgeusia, despite Gray dose, however this was not investigated. Dysgeusia was also associated with weight gain, though use of medications to assist appetite and dietician input was not considered. Given the smaller sample size, further research would be beneficial pto enhance the correlation of dysgeusia to post treatment with radiotherapy. This study will enhance patient centred care within a regional centre, via understanding population prevalence and severity of dysgeusia in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

1) Dysgeusia is a commonly reported adverse effect that regional patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer experience
2) No association was found between reports of dysgeusia and Gray dosage
3) Dysgeusia was associated with weight gain, however use of medications to assist appetite and dietician input was not taken into account