Does aggressive prostate cancer at 71 mean poor survival?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query.

I truly hope you and your husband are doing as well as possible during this very difficult time. I can feel how worried and overwhelmed you are, especially after learning about your husband’s prostate cancer (a disease in which abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland, a small gland in men that helps make semen) and the BRCA (breast cancer gene) mutation in your family. After being married for 44 years, it is completely natural to feel scared and uncertain about what lies ahead.

First, I want to reassure you about something very important. Your husband’s prostate cancer does not change or worsen your own BRCA status in any way. A BRCA mutation is a genetic change that increases the chance of certain cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and sometimes prostate cancer, but it is not something that spreads from one person to another. It is simply something a person is born with.

Because you carry a BRCA1 mutation, it is reasonable for your daughters and sons to consider genetic testing once they are adults, usually after the age of 25. Genetic testing means a simple blood or saliva test that checks if they have inherited this gene change. If they are carriers, doctors can guide them on early screening and prevention, which can be very helpful.

Now, about your husband’s treatment. He has been advised to have radiation therapy along with hormone therapy, which is the right and standard approach for aggressive prostate cancer (prostate cancer that grows and spreads faster than usual).

Radiation therapy uses focused high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells in the prostate and any nearby areas where cancer may have spread. It is very precise and targets the cancer, not the surrounding healthy tissues. Unlike surgery, radiation does not usually cause permanent urine leakage or loss of bladder control. So the fear of him needing diapers for life is very unlikely with radiation treatment.

Hormone therapy, such as Lupron injections, works by lowering the male hormone testosterone. Prostate cancer grows in response to testosterone, so reducing it helps slow or stop the cancer. This treatment can cause side effects like low mood, hot flashes, reduced sexual desire, erection problems, tiredness, and some weight gain. These changes do not mean he is losing who he is as a person. They are physical and chemical effects of the medication, and they can be managed.

You can support him by encouraging healthy eating, plenty of fruits and vegetables, drinking enough water, and having small, regular meals. Gentle physical activity, as advised by his doctor, can also help keep his energy and mood better.

He may also be prescribed a medicine called Denosumab. This is an injection that helps protect the bones, because hormone therapy can make bones weaker over time. It helps reduce the risk of fractures and bone thinning.

Regarding your daily life, you do not need to take any special precautions. Prostate cancer is not contagious. You can safely handle his medicines, wash his clothes together with yours, and live normally. There is no risk to you from physical contact, shared laundry, or being close to him.

Your role as his wife is very important. Your emotional support, love, and presence will mean more to him than any medicine. At the same time, it is okay if you feel tired, scared, or overwhelmed. You may benefit from joining a support group for spouses of men with prostate cancer, where you can talk to others who truly understand what you are going through.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.