How to stay safe during my husband’s prostate cancer therapy?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 58-year-old woman and recently found out my husband has prostate cancer, but I am writing because I am really concerned about how this affects me. His PSA was 22.4, and the biopsy showed Gleason 8 cancer, which the doctor said is aggressive. He is starting hormone therapy with Lupron injections next week and is also talking about radiation.

I have read that the hormone medications can be dangerous for women to touch, and I am the one who usually handles all his medications. We also have a granddaughter who stays with us three days a week, and I am worried about her exposure. His urologist mentioned that prostate cancer can run in families, and since I carry the BRCA1 gene mutation from my mother's side, could this increase his risk or our sons' risk?

Also, our intimate life is already affected because he is so stressed, and the doctor said hormone treatment will make it worse. I am going through menopause myself with hot flashes and mood swings, and now dealing with his prostate cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Do I need to take special precautions when handling his medication? Should our 28-year-old son get tested for prostate cancer early because of family history on my side?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

I am truly sorry you are carrying so much worry right now. It is already hard watching your husband face an aggressive prostate cancer diagnosis, and it makes sense that you are thinking about your own safety, your granddaughter, and the future for your son.

It is important to know that most prostate cancer treatments, including Lupron injections, are very safe for family members in everyday contact. Lupron is given as an injection in the clinic, not as a pill at home, so there is no risk to you or your granddaughter from touching his skin, washing laundry, sharing household items, hugging, or being physically close.

You do not need to handle the medication yourself, and you do not need special precautions at home. The only hormonal prostate treatments that require caution are certain topical gels, and he is not receiving those. Your concern about family risk is understandable. Most prostate cancers are not inherited, but BRCA1 gene mutations can slightly increase prostate cancer risk in male family members. This affects your son more than your husband, because the gene comes through your side of the family. Your husband’s cancer did not come from you, but since you carry a BRCA1 mutation, your son has a chance of inheriting it.

Men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are sometimes advised to begin prostate cancer screening earlier than the general population, often around age 40 rather than 50. This is something your son can discuss with his doctor or a genetic counselor. He does not need immediate testing at age 28, but planning early screening in the future is reasonable. It is also very normal for intimacy to change during this time. Hormone therapy lowers testosterone, which can reduce sexual desire and cause fatigue and mood changes. None of this is your fault or his. Couples often benefit from honest communication and sometimes support from counselors who work with cancer patients and their partners. You are also coping with menopause and stress at the same time, so you deserve care and support, too.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.