In the United States, November brings Thanksgiving, perhaps the most food-focused holiday of the year. It seems apt then that November is also Stomach Cancer Awareness Month, drawing attention to the plight of gastric cancer patients as well as the need for additional research into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods for cancers of the stomach.
Despite the fact that stomach cancer is diagnosed in about 25,000 new patients annually in the U.S., only about 0.23% of the National Cancer Institute’s yearly budget is spent on stomach cancer research. Statistics like this are what drive medical practitioners, non-profits organizations, and others in their efforts to raise awareness about gastric cancers during the month of November.
Risk Factors and Treatment
Some people are genetically predisposed to developing stomach cancer. Others have the disease pop up with no family history of it whatsoever. In genetic and non-genetic cases though, certain things can increase the risk of developing gastric cancer, including obesity, smoking, chronic inflammation of the stomach, and eating a diet high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables, among others.
When detected early, stomach cancer is often curable. Even when detected in its later stages, some forms of gastric cancer can be successfully treated, though extreme measures may be necessary, like the complete removal of the stomach. Many patients benefit from multimodal treatment plans, which may include a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Disability Benefits and Stomach Cancer
Terminal cases of stomach cancer automatically medically qualify for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Because the disease is often highly treatable though, most other stomach cancer patients will have to fight to prove they’re disabled and therefore entitled to benefits.
Only the oat cell or small cell carcinoma form of stomach cancer immediately qualifies after a diagnosis. Other forms of gastric cancer must be advanced, have spread, or have returned following initial treatment before they meet the SSA’s disability listing.
Meeting the disability listing is the simplest method for qualifying, but you may still get benefits, if you can show you’re no longer able to maintain employment due to severe functional limitations. Stomach cancer, treatments, and the side effects or complications of the disease and anti-cancer therapies may all take their toll and stop you from working.
Unfortunately, most applicants that don’t meet a disability listing are denied benefits by the SSA during the first disability review. You can request a second review and even file an appeal, if you’re denied benefits a second time. Filing an appeal means a longer wait for a decision, but it could be worth it in the long run, if you’re able to win disability at the appeal hearing.
Getting Help with Filing a Disability Claim
Only the most advanced cases of stomach cancer automatically qualify for benefits, but you may still win disability with appropriate medical and other evidence on your side. A disability attorney or advocate can assist you with your application and in fully documenting the functional limitations you experience due to your stomach cancer and cancer treatments. If you must file an appeal after a disability denial, an advocate or attorney can help you prepare your appeal and can represent you at the appeal hearing too.
