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.
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News & Events
Gala on Derby Eve Special Guest!
The Gala on Derby Eve, Madison County’s longest-running Derby party, has announced that this year’s event will feature a special guest. Walker Montgomery, a rising star in country music, will attend the 2019 Gala in Richmond on May 3, 2019. The 16-year event raises funds for the non-profit Hospice Care Plus. “We are overjoyed that Mr. Montgomery…
New Volunteer Training Feb. 2
Hospice Care Plus will host a training for new volunteers on Saturday, February 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. The training is for anyone with an interest in supporting non-profit care through a variety of patient care or administrative roles. The training is open to anyone age 14…
Many Honored at Annual Dinner
At its Annual Dinner on November 13, Hospice Care Plus honored numerous staff, leaders, and community members with awards and recognition. Congratulations to the individuals and businesses who were honored, all of whom show great commitment to and support of the Hospice Care Plus mission. ABOVE AND BEYOND AWARDS Presented to businesses, churches, or civic groups…
Remembrance Tree Dec. 2
The annual Remembrance Tree ceremony is set for Sunday, December 2, at 2 p.m. at the EKU Center for the Arts. The event is a long-standing tradition for the community, bringing hundreds together on the first Sunday in December for 25 years. The Remembrance Tree ceremony gives the community a chance to remember loved ones…