No one ever wants to hear their doctor deliver a cancer diagnosis. Of all cancer diagnoses, those relating to chronic, occupational cancers are some of the worst. These cancers typically are not curable, although they do have the possibility of remission. Still, many patients have questions. What are some types of occupational cancers? Are free home healthcare services available for these types of cancers? Does EEOICPA provide benefits to help patients pay for cancer treatments? The answers to these questions are found below.
What Are Occupational Cancers?
Many workers around the country are exposed to dangerous elements every day. Diesel exhaust, chromates, arsenic and arsenic compounds, and radon gas are just a few of the carcinogenic substances people are exposed to. Those exposed to these substances are at a high risk of contracting cancer simply for doing their job. The type of cancers contracted on the job will vary depending on a person’s field or industry, and depending on what type of contact they had with the carcinogen. A few types of occupational cancers include:
- Bladder cancer;
- Kidney cancer;
- Larynx cancer;
- Leukemia;
- Liver cancer;
- Lung cancer;
- Lymphoma;
- Mesothelioma;
- Nasal cavity and sinus cancer; and
- Skin cancer.
Can Occupational Cancers Go Into Remission?
Chronic occupational cancers, like any other type of chronic cancer, are not typically curable. However, they are often controllable and manageable for several months, or even years. Occupational cancers can also go into remission. Remission is not a cure, but it does mean that a person’s cancer is under control, or that cancer cells are no longer found in the body.
A partial remission means that the cancer is responding positively to treatment, but there are still signs of cancer in the body. A person is considered partially in remission when the cancerous tumor has reduced by at least 50 percent.
A remission is considered complete when screening and testing can no longer detect any cancerous cells or tumors. When a person is in complete remission, they do not show any cancerous symptoms, either.
Neither complete or partial cancer remission is an indication that a person will never suffer from cancer again. If the cancer comes back or the tumor continues to grow, it is then called a relapse.
Are Free Home Healthcare Services Available for Those With Occupational Cancer That Is Not in Remission?
Those suffering from occupational cancer that is not in remission often find the treatments costly and that they can create a serious financial burden. For those that have not yet seen their cancer go into remission, there are some free home healthcare services available to help. Some public third-party providers, such as Medicare, provide certain home services for specific patients. The Department of Veterans Affairs may also provide these services for those that once served in the U.S. military.
In addition to these public agencies, many private third-party providers, such as health insurance companies and managed care organizations, may also offer home healthcare services. Health insurance companies often offer home healthcare for a short period of time, while long-term benefits will differ from plan to plan.
It is important that anyone suffering from occupational cancer understand that with any of these services, a person must apply and must meet certain eligibility requirements before being offered free home healthcare.
Does the EEOICPA Provide Benefits for Cancer?
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICPA) was enacted on July 31, 2001, to help those with certain occupational illnesses. In some cases, this could include occupational cancer. There are currently 22 different types of cancers the program covers. However, it is important to know that not all occupational cancers are eligible for coverage.
The program is designed to help those that worked in the nation’s atomic weapons programs. This work was extremely dangerous and exposed many workers to radioactive and toxic substances. Those that worked in a Department of Energy facility, or their families, may be eligible for this coverage.
Does RECA Cover Occupational Cancer Treatments?
Like the EEOICPA, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act provides coverage for certain occupational cancers as well. Under the Act though, only those involved in atmospheric nuclear testing or in the uranium industry are eligible for coverage. RECA has many restrictions and limits for those applying for this type of coverage, so anyone seeking benefits should speak to a professional that can help.
Do You Need Free Home Healthcare Services?
If you are suffering from an occupational cancer and are not yet in remission, free home healthcare services can help. With our help, you can receive the personal care, light housekeeping, and meal preparation services you need while receiving treatment for your disease. We also provide those suffering from occupational cancer with the assistance of a licensed registered nurse that can, among other things, help administer medication and provide medical monitoring.
If you are suffering from an occupational cancer and would like to know more, call United Energy Workers Healthcare and Four Corners Health Care today at 800-314-2383 to learn more about your eligibility. We understand that there are thousands of people across the country that need help. We just want to provide them with it.
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If you already have this card, then you are already approved to receive no-cost medical benefits! Call us to get started today.
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