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
Bucket-List Campaign Starts Feb. 26
The 2016 Bucket-List Challenge Campaign kicks-off Friday, Feb. 26, with seven days of inspiring stories about hospice patients and families. The Bucket-List Campaign is a fundraising event, but also raises awareness about hospice care. For seven consecutive days, Feb. 26 to March 4, Hospice Care Plus will share one bucket-list story each day. The stories…
New! 1st Tuesday Tours
Starting Tuesday, February 2, the Hospice Care Plus Compassionate Care Center will offer First Tuesday Tours. The tours are to help the community learn more about one of Kentucky’s few, freestanding, hospice inpatient centers and will be offered on the first Tuesday of each month from noon through 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.…
Lemetta Dause Memorial Bowling Tourn.
The 5th annual Lemetta Dause Memorial Bowling Tournament is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. at Galaxy Bowling Center in Richmond. The tournament is organized by the Madison County Bowling Association and the Madison County Women’s Bowling Association in memory of Mrs. Dause, who was cared for by Hospice Care Plus. All proceeds…
Hearts for Hospice in February
For the entire month of February, area banks are hosting Hearts for Hospice. The fundraiser gives customers the opportunity to request a memorial heart for a donation of at least one dollar. The donor writes the name of the person they are remembering on the heart, and the banks display them throughout the month. All…