March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

Submitted by Elizabeth on

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, which gives the public the opportunity to find out if they have any risk factors that could result in Kidney Cancer. Certain people have a higher risk of getting Kidney Cancer than others. Risk factors typically include the following:

  • smoking;
  • high blood pressure;
  • obesity;
  • a family history of kidney cancer.

Anyone who believes they have any risk factors should take advantage of the American Kidney Fund’s free kidney health screening held in some cities throughout the country in March.

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney Cancer is also called Renal Cancer. It is usually treated with surgery which removes all or part of the affected kidney. A few patients may be recipients of chemotherapy or radiation therapy following surgery which should destroy undetected cancer cells that may still be present after surgery. Those patients with advanced Kidney Cancer may be treated with immunotherapy. 

Smoking is a risk factor for Kidney Cancer, as is the misuse of some pain medicines which can be purchased over-the-counter. Being a victim of von Hippel-Lindau disease increases a person’s risk of developing Kidney Cancer.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer may include blood in the urine, abdominal mass, back or flank pain and anemia. 

How Does Kidney Cancer Qualify For Disability Benefits? 

Because Kidney Cancer is included in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Blue Book lists in Section 13.21, it is easier for a victim to qualify for disability benefits. However, before a decision is made the SSA looks at the origin of the cancer, its duration and response to treatment as well as any negative effects of treatment. 

The SSA will need medical evidence that proves the patient is suffering from Kidney Cancer and is unable to work for at least 12 months. Diagnostic tests include blood and urine tests. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI may also be undertaken which lets the doctor get a visual image of a kidney tumor or abnormality. Another diagnostic test includes a biopsy which is the removal of a sample of kidney tissue.

If it is found that the Kidney Cancer is at a later stage, the victim may qualify for a compassionate allowance from the SSA which means their disability benefits claim will be fast-tracked, so the victim receives the financial benefit to help them manage their diagnosis.

Get Help With Your Disability Claim 

With most claims for disability benefits the SSA makes its decision based on evidence that proves the Kidney Cancer is serious enough that the victim is unable to work for at least 12 months. If you work with an attorney you may have a higher chance of winning disability benefits to help you focus on managing your Kidney Cancer as the attorney can help you to gather the medical evidence that proves the severity of your Kidney Cancer to get you the benefits you may need.

Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website and can help you with your Kidney Cancer claim.

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