Nearly 40% of Americans will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the US. It’s also a common cause of long-term disabilities. If cancer, its symptoms, or related treatments render you unable to work, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes cancer as a disability that can make someone eligible for benefits. The SSA categorizes cancer as a malignant neoplastic disease, which includes a range of conditions and injuries.
Even though cancer is recognized as a qualifying disability for benefits, it does not automatically qualify those seeking benefits. Claimants must still meet certain requirements and prove their inability to work. Both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for cancer patients and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have strict requirements that must be met.
The disability attorneys at the Antonowicz Group will help you understand which benefits you may qualify for. We are client-focused and take our time getting to know each person. Our attorneys maintain strong communication to keep you informed of all developments. We file all paperwork and do the hard work for you so you can focus on your recovery.
Most Common Types of Cancer
Cancer is categorized by doctors according to its source, and the prevailing classifications include carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. Most cancer cases in the United States are attributed to:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
Early detection significantly improves the chances of overall survival and decreases the probability of cancer recurrence. Even so, sarcomas, melanomas, carcinomas, and leukemia are less common and often prove fatal to Americans.
Cancer Treatment Side Effects
Regardless of the type, many patients suffer more from the treatment than the symptoms of the cancer itself. Between radiation and chemotherapy, patients can experience any number of the following side effects:
- Abnormal bruising and bleeding
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry Skin
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Incontinence
- Infections
- Kidney dysfunction
- Mental fog (aka brain fog, chemo brain)
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Nerve and muscle damage, which can cause pain
- Painful rashes
- Sexual dysfunction
- Skin blistering
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Vomiting
If side effects are the primary focus of the case for disability benefits, compelling evidence will be needed. It’s up to the claimant to prove which symptoms make them unable to work. The experienced disability attorneys at the Antonowicz Group are here to help.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or if cancer treatments have affected your ability to work, contact us. Reach out online or call the disability lawyers at the Antonowicz Group today to schedule your free consultation.
