My husband has prostate cancer. Is hormone therapy safe at 68?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am really confused because my 68-year-old husband has prostate cancer, and I am reading conflicting information about how it affects women in the household. His urologist found cancer after PSA went up to 12.4, and biopsy showed Gleason 8 in 7 out of 12 cores.

They want to start him on hormone therapy with Lupron and Bicalutamide, but I am worried about secondary exposure affecting my health. I already have a history of breast cancer, five years ago, and take Tamoxifen, which my oncologist says I need to continue for three more years.

We share a bathroom and bedroom, and I am scared the prostate cancer medications might interfere with my breast cancer treatment. Also, I read that partners of men getting hormone therapy for prostate cancer can have mood changes and other side effects.

My periods stopped two years ago, but I still get hot flashes and night sweats that are finally getting better. Will being around his treatment make my menopause symptoms worse again?

The oncologist wants to do genetic testing for BRCA mutations because of family history, but insurance is fighting it. Can his prostate cancer increase my cancer risk too?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your concerns are very valid, but you can be reassured on the main points:

There is no risk to your breast cancer or treatment. The hormone therapies that your husband is undergoing do not pose a secondary exposure risk to you. You cannot "catch" his cancer hormones through shared spaces or contact. They work inside his body only. Continue your Tamoxifen exactly as prescribed, and it is crucial for your health.
It does not have any impact on your menopause symptoms. His treatment will not restart or worsen your hot flashes. Your symptoms are from your own body's hormonal changes.
His cancer does not increase your cancer risk. You cannot get prostate cancer. However, a strong family history of related cancers (prostate, breast, ovarian) can indicate a shared genetic risk factor (like BRCA (breast cancer gene) mutations). This is why your oncologist recommended genetic testing, and it is about your family history, not his cancer being contagious.

But for your well-being, the stress, mood changes in him, and the caregiving burden are real, which can affect you. So, your emotional health is important. Seek support groups for caregivers. Speak to your doctor about managing stress.

For now, I suggest you do the following:

Continue your Tamoxifen.
Push for the BRCA (breast cancer gene) genetic test (appeal insurance denial with your doctor's help).
Focus on your health screenings.
Ask his urologist for caregiver resources.

Your husband's treatment is safe for you. Your priority must remain your own cancer survivorship plan and stress management during this difficult time.

I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.