Cancer itself can often be a disability. It often depends on the type of cancer a person has and the severity. Something like late-stage lung cancer is going to have a very different impact on a person’s health and ability to work when compared to early skin cancer. Every case is unique.
But one thing to keep in mind is that anyone who has cancer may qualify as having a disability, in part because of the treatment that they have to receive. This treatment may save their life, but it can be incredibly hard on the body. While someone is being treated for cancer, it may be entirely impossible for them to work at all.
Potential side effects of treatment
Exactly what side effects a person sees depends on the type of treatment they get. Cancer can be treated through radiation, surgery, chemotherapy and other methods. Some potential symptoms that could lead to a disability include:
- Excessive fatigue
- Bleeding and bruising
- Delirium or hallucinations
- Flu-like symptoms such as nausea and vomiting
- Nerve problems
- Issues with concentration or memory
- Excessive pain and discomfort
- A sense of weakness that may go along with fatigue
- Changes to their sleep pattern
- Significant weight loss or malnutrition
- Respiratory issues
In other words, the cancer that a person has may not be so severe that it would keep them from work on its own. But if they are getting treatment that leads to dizziness, nausea, fatigue and mental confusion, it may be impossible for them to do their job until that treatment has concluded. At this time, it is important for people to understand when their condition qualifies as a disability and what legal options they have to seek benefits.