Does hormone therapy for prostate cancer affects spouses?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am confused because my 69-year-old husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but I keep reading conflicting information about treatments and how they affect women like me. His PSA was 12.4, and his Gleason score is 7, which the urologist says is intermediate risk.

We were considering active surveillance versus surgery and radiation, but each doctor gave different recommendations. Most concerning is reading that hormone therapy for prostate cancer can affect spouses through skin contact and bodily fluids.

Also worried about genetic factors because I have a family history of breast and ovarian cancer. The stress of his diagnosis is affecting my sleep and appetite, and I'm not sure how to be supportive while dealing with my fears.

We were planning to travel in retirement, but now everything is uncertain. Need to understand what prostate cancer means for both of us and our family.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

When a partner gets a cancer diagnosis, it shakes both people, not only the patient. From the medical side, your husband’s numbers put him in what we call intermediate risk. That means the cancer is still usually treatable with good outcomes, but it is not the type we just watch for years without action.

Surgery and radiation are the two main choices, and both can work well. The difference often depends on age, other health problems, and what side effects he is most concerned about. Active surveillance is sometimes chosen, but with Gleason 7, it is less common.

About your worry with hormone therapy, you do not need to be afraid of touching him, kissing, or sharing a bed. The medicine works inside his body and does not harm his spouses through contact.

For the family risk, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers can sometimes share a genetic background. Because you already have a family history, it may be worth speaking with a genetic counselor for your children and maybe for yourself, too.

And for you, it is natural to feel your sleep and appetite disturbed now. Many partners go through this. Try to give yourself space, talk with a doctor if stress gets too heavy, and allow small joys and routines to continue. Travel and plans can still happen, maybe in another form, once treatment choices are clearer.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.