Most Pennsylvania residents likely know at least one woman who has developed breast cancer. In fact, according to Breastcancer.org, one out of every eight woman in the U.S. will develop breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. Breast cancer impacts millions of Americans and kills thousands of women every year. While great progress has been made in recent years with regard to treatment options, some forms of breast cancer remain inoperable and do not respond favorably to traditional cancer treatments.
Modern medicine and technological advances have greatly improved the accuracy and speed with which women are both diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. New cancer treatment drugs are available and more traditional treatment options, including radiation and chemotherapy, have been greatly improved.
Still, for some women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, the diagnosis is grim. Some tumors do not respond to treatment while others spread throughout the lymph systems or body too quickly for modern medicine to be effective. For these women, living out the remainder of their lives in peace and comfort is important.
Even women who respond well to cancer treatments often suffer adverse side effects. Nausea, pain, weakness, depression and fatigue are among some of the most common side effects of more traditional breast cancer treatments. In many cases, these types side effects make it difficult to impossible for a woman to work.
Thankfully, women who are suffering from metastatic breast cancer or the negative side effects of breast cancer treatments are often eligible to receive social security disability benefits. The application process for SSD benefits can be complex and lengthy. An attorney who is familiar with the application process can help provide for the best possible outcome with regard to disability benefits being awarded.
Source: Breastcancer.org, “Treatment and side-effects,” July, 2013
