Disability Medical Conditions: Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of the lungs. In 2009 there were an estimated 219,440 cases of the disease and 159,390 deaths reported by the National Cancer Institute.
The disease is listed as one of the medical conditions in the Compassionate Allowances Program. The program expedites the application process so that individuals with severe medical conditions can apply for disability benefits quickly.
Some facts on Lung Cancer from the National Lung Cancer Partnership:
• Approximately 219,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the U.S. each year – over 103,000 women and nearly 116,000 men.
• Lung cancer kills more than 160,000 people annually – more people than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.1
• Lung cancer is responsible for more than 28% of all cancer-related deaths every year.1
• Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer. Approximately 87 percent of lung cancer cases occur in people who are currently smoking or have previously smoked.
Under the Compassionate Allowances program, those suffering from certain medical conditions and impairments can have their application processed quickly through the “fast track” program which helps administrators rapidly identify and process medical conditions on the program’s list of medical impairments.