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:
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Compassionate Care Center Updates Completed
News & Events
Noodle Nirvana Partnership Re-Launch!
Noodle Nirvana, a locally owned Berea restaurant that believes small businesses can make a big difference, is re-launching its non-profit partnership program. Hospice Care Plus has been chosen as the current non-profit partner. The partnership was originally announced in late 2019, but was interrupted by the pandemic. “Three months into our partnership with Hospice Care…
Sign-Up for Caregiver Connection
Caregiver Connection, a new resource for family caregivers, hosts a meeting once a month. The meetings are designed to give caregivers a chance to network and share tips, challenges, resources, and more. Caregiver Connection is hosted and sponsored by Hospice Care Plus. Enter your information on our online form if you wish to receive registration…
New Volunteer Training July 24
Hospice Care Plus is hosting a training for new volunteers on Saturday, July 24. Though originally the plan was to hold this as an in-person training, we have chosen to meet via Zoom due to the recent escalation of COVID-19 cases locally. The training is for individuals who would like to help provide care and…
Grief & Bereavement in the Age of COVID-19
The Kentucky Hospice Network (KHN) is proud to host this virtual inservice on Thursday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. EST. Registration is available online. Joelle Osterhaus, LCSW, LICSW, ACHP-SW, and Karen Monts will lead an important and timely discussion on how the COVID-19 pandemic affects grief and bereavement and how organizations can…