Care and mobility considerations
Early breast cancer - there are unlikely to be any long term care and mobility needs after treatment for early breast cancer. The exceptions to this include:
- enduring but rare side effects of chemotherapy
- Significant lymphoedema of the arm (<1%)
- Radiation induced brachial Plexopathy (RIBP) - rare
In the rare situation where an award is appropriate during treatment of early breast cancer, the award should last for the duration of treatment and then be reviewed. When disabling effects related to rare side effects such as Radiation induced brachial Plexopathy (RIBP) are claimed, indefinite awards are recommended – corroborating medical evidence will be available.
Locally advanced breast cancer that responds to treatment may have no residual disabling effects however it may not be clear at presentation who will respond to treatment and who will not. Those who do not respond are likely to have a very poor prognosis and may be terminally ill from the outset. Time limited awards of 12-18 months are recommended if needs are identified.
Metastatic breast cancer may have no disabling effects whilst under control with treatment. If not controllable or if it escapes control, disabling effects are likely to increase in both number and severity. Specific complications of breast cancer including spinal cord compression and fungating tumour are likely to be disabling in themselves and be associated with significant fatigue and debility. No improvement in function is likely to occur.
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Amended May 2009
