hat is Breast Cancer?

Generally, cancer is a disease in which the cells in the body begin to uncontrollably grow and multiply. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells do not die but rather continue to rapidly divide, grow, and form more abnormal cells. Once cancer cells develop, they can grow into other tissues surrounding the origin point, whereas normal cells cannot. That is what makes cancer unique from normal cells: uncontrollably growing cells that grow into other tissues and do not have a normal cell death.  

Breast cancer occurs when cells begin to grow uncontrollably in one or both breasts. Breast cancer most frequently occurs in the milk ducts of the breast –ductal carcinoma – but can occur in the breast glands -lobular carcinoma.  When cancer spreads into the surrounding breast tissue or other parts of the body it is called invasive or metastatic.  If the cancer is maintained in the lining of the breast ducts or glands it is called in-situ.

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Breast Cancer

There are multiple potential causes of breast cancer.  Causes include:

• family history – genetics
• age
• ethnicity
• hormones
• high-risk lifestyles

In its early stages, breast cancer typically has no symptoms. As a tumor develops, symptoms include:

• lumps in the breast(s) or underarms
• swelling or tenderness in the armpits
• breast or nipple tenderness
• noticeable changes in size, shape, or appearance of the breast(s)
• nipple discharge
• changes to breasts skin
• unusual breasts sensitivity

Treatment for breast cancer largely depends on its stage at discovery.  Treatments include:

• surgery to remove lumps or the entire breast (mastectomy)
• radiation therapy
• chemotherapy
• biological therapies

Proving Disability For Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors

Typically, breast cancer produces disability as a result of residual effects from treating cancer and mood disorders that develop post-recovery.  For example,

• mastectomy patients often lose the ability to lift and carry items
• radiation can cause residual fatigue and nerve damage
• chemotherapy can cause a range of issues from chronic diarrhea to nerve damage
• breast cancer survivors often experience disabling depression, anxiety, and PTSD

Breast cancer survivors often find that surviving breast cancer brings with it a host of other problems.  These problems often interfere with or prevent full-time employment due to physical impairments, mental limitations, or both.  While breast cancer itself can be a basis for disability under Social Security Listing 13.00, most people are disabled from work because of residual issues from breast cancer treatment.

The team at Chad Brown Law helps breast cancer survivors obtain disability benefits regularly.  If you have breast cancer or are a breast cancer survivor and are unable to work, call Chad Brown Law a 336-962-5373 today to see how we can get you the benefits and insurance you need and deserve.