The United States Congress has designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month.
During the month, the public is being asked to highlight issues relating to cervical cancer in their communities. Cervical cancer, which can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), is a deadly disease that is better treated through early detection.
According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), there are approximately 100 or more different forms of HPV that can cause genital warts, which can lead to cell changes on a woman’s cervix and/or cancer.
The NCCC urges women to be screened and have Pap smear tests to detect abnormalities, which may lead to cancer. The organization estimates that 70 percent of women will encounter HPV at some point of their life.
Among other NCCC facts:
- HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, not through an exchange of bodily fluid.
- Though usually harmless, some high-risk types cause cervical cell changes that, if not detected in time, can turn into cancer. The majority of women with an HPV infection will not develop cervical cancer, but regular Pap tests are important.
- Cervical cancer most commonly takes 10 years to 20 years or more to develop; women who are no longer sexually active should still have Pap tests.
I Have Cervical Cancer. Do I Qualify For Disability Benefits?
If you suffer from cervical cancer, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. It should be noted that a diagnosis alone is simply not enough to qualify for benefits—a person with cervical cancer must show that her condition is severe enough that it does not allow her to perform basic tasks or that her disabilities keep her from doing any other type of work that exists in significant numbers.
If you have questions about qualifying for SSDI, we suggest you visit our Social Security FAQ page. Several forms of cancer and other terminal illnesses are considered under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program, which can help expedite the qualification process.
If you suffer from an illness or disability that leaves you unable to work, contact a Tulsa Social Security disability attorney. We offer free evaluations of your case, and you may reach us by phone at (918) 265-1404. Contact us today.
