Posted By Golson, McCracken Inc. || 20-Oct-2014

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. In 2014 an estimated 232,030 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States! One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and men are not immune to this disease. In 2014 it is estimated that in the United States 2,360 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men.

While the numbers are alarming, it is reassuring to know, that breast cancer can usually be diagnosed at a stage in which it can be treated effectively. Regularly self-checks every month, and following your doctor’s guidance for getting mammograms based on your age and risk factors is the key to early detection and life-saving treatment.

Under the Affordable Care Act, mammograms generally MUST be covered by health plans with no cost sharing, so there are no more co-pays or deductibles for these services! If you don’t have health insurance, the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides access to mammograms to underserved women in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 5 US territories, and 11 tribes.

In NC you can contact the Division of Public Health at:
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services 
5505 Six Forks Road 
Raleigh, NC 27609 
(919) 707-5300 
Fax: (919) 870-4812

Breast cancer and its treatment affects each individual differently. For some, it may mean months or years of surgeries, and combinations of chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drug and hormone therapy. The toll this can take in work productivity can be extremely high, and for some individuals work may be unrealistic. If an individual can expect to be out of work for 12 consecutive months because of breast cancer or the debilitating effects of their treatment, it is in their best interest to apply for Social Security as soon as possible.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from breast cancer, and has a question about applying for Social Security benefits or an existing claim, please call Golson & McCracken.