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
Compassionate Care Center Updates Completed
In early 2023, Hospice Care Plus received an unexpected $10,000 gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. This generous gift is fondly referred to by staff as the “Couches, Coffee, or Cough Drops” donation because the donor’s only request was that the funds be used to meet the most pressing needs of the…
Poems of Remembrance & Hope, by Chaplain Sally Iseral
I share these two poems from past memorial ceremonies in the hope that they offer comfort and hope during the holidays. Remember, we at Hospice Care Plus are always here for you.
Donna Tapley Retires After 27 Years
On Nov. 26, Donna Tapley retired from Hospice Care Plus after 27 years of service. Only one other employee has served longer. She’s contributed to many milestones, and the bonds she’s formed with coworkers, patients, and family members will never be forgotten.
Online Support for Grief and Loss
We hope these online resources offer insight and comfort to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, as well as those who wish to support them. They include suggestions from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, our grief and loss support staff, and organizations dedicated to grief support. What’s Your Grief…