Cancer Listings: How SSA Evaluates Malignant Diseases

Conditions covered

The section addresses cancers at many body sites, including the breast, lungs, skin, nervous system, digestive organs, blood, and lymphatic system. The specific listing depends on the cancer’s origin, extent, treatment, and response.

Key listings in Section 13.00

• 13.02 — Soft tissue cancers of the head and neck

  One of the site-specific entries in the cancer listings.

• 13.10 — Breast cancer

  Uses criteria specific to the site, extent, and course of breast cancer.

• 13.14 — Lung cancer

  Evaluates malignant tumors of the lungs under site-specific criteria.

• 13.16 — Esophagus or stomach cancer

  Addresses malignancies at these digestive-system sites.

These are plain-language summaries, not the full regulatory criteria. Review the official Blue Book for the complete requirements and definitions.

Evidence SSA may consider

• Records commonly include pathology reports, imaging and staging, operative reports, oncology notes, and a timeline of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other treatment.
• Treatment response, recurrence, progression, and complications should be documented with dated records. SSA’s criteria differ by cancer site and type.
• Also document lasting effects of cancer or treatment, such as fatigue, pain, cognitive changes, infections, neuropathy, or recovery needs.

If the listing is not met

If the cancer listing is not met or medically equaled, SSA still evaluates the cancer’s effects and treatment-related limitations. A cancer diagnosis alone does not establish a particular RFC.

The RFC and work analysis at Steps 4 and 5 can account for recovery time, treatment schedules, symptoms, and lasting side effects. The Grid Rules may be relevant if their vocational criteria fit.

Related resources

• See the five-step disability process
• Read about residual functional capacity (RFC)
• Explore the Medical-Vocational Grid Rules
• Browse common condition guides
• Find SSA hearing offices