According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in the United States. Kentucky has the highest occurrence of new cases in the country. Even though Kentucky ranks second in the nation in screening people at high risk for lung cancer, it still has the highest death rate. Why?
Dr. Timothy Mullett, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center, says it’s because screening isn’t done early enough. “The majority of our patients, much more than the rest of the country, are seen with late-stage disease, over 80 percent of the time. We have a chance to change that. Lung cancer screening can be effective and can reduce mortality by as much as 20 to 50 percent.”
Fortunately, low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer in its early, more treatable, stages.
Lung cancer screening is covered in Kentucky by Medicare and Medicaid at no or low cost for people who meet at-risk requirements. The American Lung Association has more information and a short quiz to help you determine your risk.
If you or someone you know is living with lung cancer, remember that involving palliative care can help with overall quality of life as you pursue treatment. Our home-based palliative program offers pain and symptom consultation and helps connect patients and families to resources and benefits that may help. Studies have shown that patients who receive hospice care soon after diagnosis with advanced lung cancer have better quality and length of life. They are also more likely to remain at home where their pain and symptoms are managed with regular nursing and care team visits and 24/7 access to nursing staff.
To learn more about our hospice and palliative care programs, explore this website or contact us anytime at 859-986-1500 or hospice@hospicecp.org.
Hospice Care Plus provides exceptional, compassionate care for individuals with serious and advanced illness; while honoring dignity, ensuring comfort, and celebrating life.
Our Service Area:
Our hospice home program serves you, wherever you call home, in the Kentucky counties of Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle.
Our inpatient care facility, the Compassionate Care Center, and administrative offices are located in Richmond, Kentucky.
Recent News:
News & Events
Join Us for New Volunteer Training on March 21
Hospice Care Plus is hosting an in-person training for new volunteers on Saturday, March 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Madison County Public Library (507 W Main Street, Richmond, KY). Registration is required by March 18. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, along with plenty of breaks throughout the day. Participants will…
Creating Space For Joy: BJ & Aimee’s Hospice Story
“Because of Hospice, mom found joy again!“ Recently, BJ Chaney shared a deeply personal story about her mom, Aimee Potter, and the care she received from Hospice Care Plus during her journey with metastatic brain cancer. So touched by her mom’s experience, BJ felt compelled to share their story more broadly, hoping it would help…
Hearts for Hospice Returns in February
Each February, local banks across our service region come together to share the love through Hearts for Hospice, an annual community fundraiser supporting Hospice Care Plus. When you stop by the lobby or drive-through of a participating bank, you’re invited to make a donation of $1 or more in exchange for a memorial heart. Donors…
2025 Remembrance Tree Ceremony: Dec. 7, 2025
Quick Facts: When: Sunday, December 7, 2 PM Where: First Baptist Church, 425 Eastern Bypass, Richmond, KY 40475 Why: Whether your loss was recent or not, the holidays are a time when those we’ve lost are especially missed. Who: All are welcome to participate, regardless of whether we cared for your loved one. What does…