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:
Grief and Loss During Holidays and Milestones
Compassionate Care Center Updates Completed
News & Events
Receptions for Retiring CEO
Hospice Care Plus will host two retirement receptions for Gail McGillis, who announced earlier this year that she will retire at the end of 2019 after 26 years of service. Both receptions are open to the public and will include refreshments. “Gail always shies away from recognition and did not plan to hold any public…
National Hospice Month
In honor of National Hospice Booth, Hospice Care Plus is hosting multiple information booths in Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle counties. The booths will feature helpful resources on advance care planning and related documents, hospice care, palliative care, family caregiver workshops, and more. Tiffani Wright, Community Liaison at Hospice Care Plus, will be…
Celebrate NYE with the Roaring 20s
Madison Countians have a new option for ringing in the new year. On December 31, Churchill’s in Berea will host the first-ever Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve party. The event begins at 9 p.m. in Churchill’s beautiful event space and continues through 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Tickets are $75 each and are available…
Local Family Inspires Veteran Memorial
On Veterans Day 2019, Hospice Care Plus will dedicate a Veterans Memorial Wall at our Compassionate Care Center. The dedication will take place Monday, November 11, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hospice Care Plus Compassionate Care Center. The public is invited to attend. The Veterans Memorial Wall was inspired by Richmond’s Bagby family. After their…