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 empowers those we serve to enjoy the highest quality of life, respecting their values, beliefs, needs, and goals through specialized care, education, resources, and grief support.
Our Service Area:
Our Home Hospice and Home Palliative Care programs serve 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
A Special Birthday
When Mr. George Poynter entered home hospice care six months ago, he and his family did not expect to see his 86th birthday. But, as is often the case, his condition improved after coming home, where he felt most comfortable, and receiving expert care from an interdisciplinary team.
Hanan Budeiri, MD, to Retire
On August 25, Hanan Budeiri, MD, our chief medical director, will retire. An open-house retirement party will be held Friday, August 25, between 12 PM and 2 PM at Hospice Care Plus & Compassionate Care Center on 350 Isaacs Lane in Richmond. All are invited to drop by during this time to celebrate Dr. Budeiri’s…
HCP Wins Hospice Honors Award
Hospice Care Plus has been named a 2023 Hospice Honors Award recipient by Healthcare First. Hospice Honors is a prestigious program that recognizes hospices across the country providing the highest level of quality as measured by patients and families. Hospice Care Plus is one of only seven hospices in Kentucky to earn the award in…
