Does Cancer Have a Smell? Let’s Sniff Out the Truth!

What Does Cancer Smell Like, Exactly?

Now, let’s address the question that’s probably on everyone’s mind: what does cancer smell like? The descriptions vary widely. Some people compare it to the smell of “fermented fruit,” while others say it has a “metallic” or “chemical” odor. However, not everyone experiences these odors, and they’re more likely to be caused by byproducts of cancer-related processes or complications such as infections.

When cancer is located near the skin or in an area prone to infection, like an ulcerated tumor, the smell is more often related to bacterial overgrowth rather than the cancer itself. Think of it as an indirect smell – the cancer might create the conditions that lead to a noticeable odor, but it’s not necessarily the cancer that you’re directly smelling.