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
Summer Affair Tickets Are Here!
For the 11th year, Citizens Guaranty Bank in Irvine is working with local volunteers to host A Summer Affair for Hospice Care. This year’s event is on Saturday, August 12, at 6 p.m. at the Estill County Fair Barn. The Summer Affair will feature a Kentucky Proud theme, silent auctions, live music with local musicians,…
Teens Welcome @ May 20 Training
On Saturday, May 20, Hospice Care Plus will train a new class of volunteers. All are welcome and needed but, as summer approaches, teens are especially encouraged to attend. To sign-up for the training, contact Stefanie Manes, volunteer coordinator, at 859-626-9292 or hospice@hospicecp.org. “We started our teen volunteer program a few years ago, but we…
Remember Them: May Memorial Service
On Tuesday, May 23, Hospice Care Plus will join with the community to honor Memorial Day with a special service. The annual Hospice Care Plus May Memorial Service is at 6:00 p.m. on May 23 at First Baptist Church in Richmond. A reception will follow with refreshments provided by hospice volunteers. The service gives the…
Reservations Open! Gala on Derby Eve
Your “place to be on Derby Eve” is back for its 14th year: The Gala on Derby Eve. The benefit gala brings together 200-plus guests in Richmond each year to celebrate Kentucky’s Derby tradition while raising funds for Hospice Care Plus. This year’s Gala on Derby Eve is Friday, May 5 at 6 p.m. Registration…