Sozialrechtliche Leistungsansprüche onkologischer Patient:innen – ein Überblick

In Germany, around 1.6 million persons are living with a malignant disease diagnosed in the past 5 years. The disease-related challenges faced by persons with or after a cancer diagnosis depend on age, gender, type of disease and treatment, and any preexisting comorbidities. In addition to physical effects of the disease and its treatment, affected persons often have to deal with psychosocial stress and questions related to social and economic participation. Over a third of cancer patients receive their diagnosis at working age. For this patient group, alongside questions of economic security and a functional homelife, there are also questions regarding the compatibility of their disease with their employment and reintegration into professional activities. The German statutory social insurance system offers basic protection in these areas and assistance to compensate for impairments caused by the disease. Due to the structured responsibilities of institutions and the differentiated entitlements to benefits in the individual social security codes, many patients are faced with a lack of clarity regarding their legal position. Dealing with the various service providers can represent an additional burden for patients. Professionally qualified information, individual counselling, and assistance with accessing social benefits can provide orientation for patients and relatives and thus reduce stress. The current article provides an overview of the entitlements of cancer patients.