Childhood Cancer Increases Chance of Receiving SSD Benefits Later in Life

Research from the American Cancer Society shows that 1 in 285 U.S. citizens will be diagnosed with a form of cancer before age 20. While the survival rate for pediatric cancer is more than 80 percent, our Social Security Disability lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin point out the disease may put children at an increased risk of disability and the need for Social Security Disability benefits later in life.

Science Daily released data from a study that was conducted by researchers with the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. The team surveyed 698 individuals who had survived childhood cancer and were now between age 20 – 70. Siblings of the survivors who had not been afflicted with cancer were then surveyed as a control group for the study.

The data that was collected showed an estimated 13.5 percent of childhood cancer survivors surveyed were enrolled to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), while 10 percent were getting Social Security Disability benefits. These rates were significantly higher than those of the control group, which showed a mere 2.6 percent of the cancer survivors’ siblings receiving SSI and 5.4 percent on disability.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we understand the lifelong complications that can accompany a diagnosis of cancer early in life and we are here to help if cancer or its side effects have left you unable to work. Give our team of attorneys a call anytime at (800) 477-7315 if you have questions regarding your legal rights.