What Women Should Know about Ovarian Cancer and SSDI

If you see lots of teal blue being worn this month, it’s likely not just a fashion statement. In light of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September, many advocates and survivors are sporting teal ribbons in solidarity to draw attention to a disease that’s commonly called a “silent killer.”

Numerous women can be diagnosed far too late for reasons such as a lack of screening options, initial misdiagnosis, or they’re unaware of the risks. Unlike cervical cancer, which can be detected via pap test, there are currently no recommended screening tests for ovarian cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related death in American women and the most lethal of the gynecological cancers. Common early symptoms often include, but aren’t limited to: pelvic pain, frequent urges to urinate and changes in appetite. As the disease progresses, other red flags that can manifest are extreme fatigue, weight loss or gain, back pain, and an upset stomach.

Treatment for ovarian cancer varies and can be effective, depending on how early the disease is detected, but it can take a heavy toll on the body. Fortunately, women living with ovarian cancer can be fast-tracked into approval for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits since it’s listed as one of the conditions in the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program.

SSDI is a crucial resource for former workers who cannot continue working for 12 months or longer, or have a terminal condition. The first step in successfully applying for disability is determining eligibility by taking our free online assessment.

To read, “What Every Woman Needs to Know about Ovarian Cancer”, click here.