September is a month of seasonal transition, as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer in the United States. The first month of climatological autumn is also prostate cancer awareness month.
With more than 175,000 men diagnosed with the disease each year, prostate cancer is one of the most publicized types of cancer. However, much work needs to be done by healthcare experts and advocates, as well as the men that run the risk of contracting the disease after they turn 65 years old.
Why an Awareness Month for Prostate Cancer?
Nearly 32,000 deaths per year from a disease that requires simple annual tests is one of the most influential reasons why September is prostate cancer awareness month.
Naming an entire month to promote awareness of a preventable disease emphasizes the importance of regular screenings and following a lifestyle that develops a healthy prostate.
As the second most common type of cancer in the United States, prostate cancer affects one out of every nine men at some point in their lives. Because of the advancements made in medicine, prostate cancer is a treatable disease if detected in an early stage of development.
Awareness equals education when it comes to preventing prostate cancer, and September is a great month to share that awareness because most people have gotten back into their normal routines.
How Can Someone with Prostate Cancer Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Many men can live a normal life if they have a treatable form of prostate cancer. However, some cases of the disease result in debilitating symptoms that adversely impact job performance.
If you are a prostate cancer patient and the symptoms of the disease have prevented you from working, you might be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) refers to a medical guide called the Blue Book to determine eligibility for financial assistance. Section 13.24 of the Blue Book lists prostate cancer, along with the severity of symptoms required to get approved for disability benefits.
Remember that it is not just the disease that can render you incapable of working. Treatments for prostate cancer frequently include radiation and chemotherapy, both of which can produce harmful side effects.
What If I Don’t Meet or Match a Blue Book Listing for Prostate Cancer?
There are no guarantees when it comes to a Social Security disability claim. In fact, the SSA denies a majority of claims. If the SSA denied your disability claim for prostate cancer, the agency might request you to complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment.
An RFC assessment measures your ability to complete standard job functions while dealing with the symptoms of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer generates several symptoms, some of which can impede your work performance. Chronic fatigue and intense bone pain can make it difficult, if not impossible to hold down a steady job that requires manual labor.
A physician from the SSA might put you through tests that analyze your stamina level, as well as your pain tolerance. If you work in a physically demanding job, your prostate cancer symptoms might warrant a transition to a less physically strenuous career.
How Do I Start the Disability Application Process for Prostate Cancer?
Starting the application process for prostate cancer involves contacting a Social Security attorney. A lawyer can help you submit the most persuasive evidence, as well as ensure that you meet the submission deadline imposed by the SSA. Schedule a free case evaluation today to receive Social Security disability benefits.
