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
Get a “Heart for Hospice” in February
For the entire month of February, area banks are hosting Hearts for Hospice. The fundraiser gives customers the opportunity to request a memorial heart for a donation of at least one dollar. Donors write their own name or the name of the person they are remembering on the heart, and the banks display them throughout…
Scott Thompson Named CEO
Scott Thompson has been announced as the new CEO at Hospice Care Plus. At its December 10 meeting, the organization’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution naming Thompson as CEO. He follows Gail McGillis, RN, MSN, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 26 years of service. Hospice’s board initiated a CEO search…
Remembrance Tree Dec. 8
The annual Remembrance Tree ceremony is set for Sunday, December 8, at 2 p.m. at Chenault Vineyards in Richmond at 2284 Barnes Mill Road. The event is a long-standing tradition for the community, bringing hundreds together on the first Sunday in December for more than 25 years. The Remembrance Tree ceremony gives the community a…
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…