Prostate cancer hormone treatment and depression side effect

by Lira

QUESTION: My uncle has prostate cancer and taking hormones. We have noticed that he has changed a lot since he started the hormone therapy. Sometimes, he looks so down that does not want to hear anybody.

Are his mood changes related to his prostate cancer treatment and depression side effect or it is because of advanced prostate cancer? We are trying to calm him down, but it is very difficult as he does not listen to anybody.

ANSWER: Hi Lira,

First, I wish your uncle a rapid recovery and all the best in the hard battle against prostate cancer.

Keep in mind that depression is alway present in chronic patients like those with cancer. Therefore, you should have more patience with him to help get over his "bad" and sometimes, "suicidal" thoughts.

As both, hormonal therapy and the cancer itself will cause him depression; therefore, he only needs to think positively to overcome his problems. This is where you should work more often without losing patience.

Dr.Alba