Will prostate cancer treatment affect my husband and family?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 45-year-old woman, and although this question is not directly about me, it deeply affects my life. My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer two months ago, and I am struggling to cope with everything that comes with it.

His PSA is 22.4, and the biopsy showed a Gleason score of 8, which the urologist explained is an aggressive form of prostate cancer. He is scheduled to start hormone therapy with Leuprolide injections next week, followed by radiation therapy after a few months.

I have read that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can cause erectile dysfunction, hot flashes, fatigue, and mood changes, and I am worried about how this will affect him emotionally and physically, and how it may impact our relationship. We are both finding this very overwhelming, and I am unsure how to support him while also managing my own fears and stress.

I also have a BRCA1 mutation and a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. Please let me know:

Does my husband’s prostate cancer increase the risk for our children?
We have an 18-year-old son and a 21-year-old daughter, and I am anxious about their future health.

On top of this, I am concerned about the financial strain if my husband is unable to work during treatment, especially since I am already managing my own health issues. I also want to ask something that may sound anxious or unusual. I am currently pregnant with our third child, and I am worried about whether prostate cancer treatments, hormones, radiation, or bodily fluids could pose any risk to the baby or me.

I would really appreciate a clear explanation of the overall treatment journey, what changes we should realistically expect, and how both of us can prepare emotionally and practically for the months ahead.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can truly sense how overwhelming this phase is for you, especially as a wife, a mother, and someone already carrying her own health worries. What you are feeling is completely valid, and you are not alone in this.

First, regarding your children and cancer risk. Even though your husband has prostate cancer and you have a BRCA1 mutation (breast cancer gene 1, a gene linked to breast and ovarian cancer), this does not automatically mean your children are at high risk.

For your daughter (21 years), around the age of 25, a simple blood test for the BRCA mutation can be done. Based on whether she is positive or negative, doctors will guide her on screening and prevention. Right now, there is no need to panic.
For your son (18 years), prostate cancer screening is usually done much later in life. Around the age of 50, a PSA test (prostate-specific antigen blood test) is advised. At this stage, there is no indication that he is at high risk.

Now, coming to your husband’s treatment. He is starting hormone therapy, also called ADT (androgen deprivation therapy). Leuprolide injections are used to lower testosterone (the male hormone that fuels prostate cancer growth). Because testosterone is reduced:

He may notice low sexual desire (libido).
Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or maintaining an erection).
Hot flashes, tiredness, or mood changes.

Please remember that these effects are temporary and reversible. Once hormone therapy is stopped, testosterone levels gradually recover, and sexual function and energy usually improve.

Next is radiation therapy, which uses focused radiation to destroy cancer cells in the prostate.

The procedure itself is not painful.
Side effects (like tiredness, mild urinary or bowel discomfort) usually last one to two weeks after treatment.
Radiation does not make him radioactive, and it is completely safe for you, your children, and your pregnancy. There is no risk through touch, bodily fluids, or closeness.

Based on what you have described, your husband should be able to continue working during treatment or return to work very soon. Prostate cancer treatment usually does not require long-term bed rest, and it should not interfere significantly with his ability to support the family.

This phase may feel emotionally and physically distant, but it is temporary. Once hormone therapy is completed and radiation is done, your personal and married life can gradually return to normal. Many couples come out of this phase stronger, with better communication and emotional bonding.

Your role right now is not to have all the answers, but simply to be present, reassure him, and remind each other that:

This cancer is treatable.
This treatment phase is temporary.
Life after treatment can be normal and fulfilling.

Please also take care of your own emotional health, especially since you are pregnant. It is okay to feel scared, anxious, or exhausted. Reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness. You are doing the best you can for your family.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.