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
Success!
By all accounts, the 16th annual Derby Eve Benefit, known this year as Bourbon, Boots & BBQ, was a resounding success. More than 300 guests packed Richardson Hall at the Madison County Fairgrounds to celebrate Kentucky’s Derby traditions, enjoy country music sensation Walker Montgomery, and raise funds for Hospice Care Plus. Fundraising totals will be…
Hospice Hoedown Coming Apr. 12
A hoedown is coming to Mt. Vernon, and it’s for a great cause. The first-ever Hospice Hoedown is Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Silver Eagle. Touted as old-fashioned fun, organizers say the Hoedown will feature live music by Strait Shot, a homemade BBQ meal, a cake walk, cloggers, dancing, a silent auction,…
Medicare 101 for Family Caregivers
U-Care is hosting Medicare 101 for Family Caregivers on April 12, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Appalachian College Association in Richmond (801 Brighton Ave., Richmond, next to Galaxy Bowling). Registration is required and is free for all family caregivers. The workshop is ideal for those caring for a family member on a part-time or…
Reservations: Bourbon, Boots & BBQ
RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ON LINE OR BY CALLING 859-986-1500. The Gala on Derby Eve is still a party, but it’s now a party by another name. Hospice Care Plus has announced that the Gala on Derby Eve is being refashioned for 2019 as the Bourbon, Boots and BBQ Derby Benefit. “We’re having a lot of fun organizing…