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
Remembrance Tree Dec. 3 @ EKU
The annual Remembrance Tree ceremony is set for Sunday, December 3, 2:00 p.m., at the EKU Center for the Arts Grand Hall. The event is a long-standing tradition for the community, bringing hundreds together on the first Sunday in December for more than 20 years. The Remembrance Tree ceremony gives the community a chance to…
Annual Dinner Award Winners!
Several individuals, groups, and businesses were honored November 16 at Hospice Care Plus’s annual dinner, held in November to celebrate National Hospice Month. Staff members were honored for years of service and presented with employee awards. The Above and Beyond Awards were presented to four community partners who go to great lengths to support hospice…
Boutique Day Benefit Oct. 9!
Boutique Day 2017 is just around the corner, and it will once again give the community a chance to shop for unique gifts while raising funds for a great cause. The Boutique Day benefit for Hospice Care Plus is Monday, October 9, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Berea Hospice Care Plus office,…
New Volunteer Training Sept. 30
Hospice Care Plus is hosting a training for new volunteers on Sat., Sept. 30, at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. The training is for individuals who would like to help the non-profit organization provide care and support to individuals, caregivers and families. It’s open to adults and teens age 14 and up. Pre-registration is…