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
How to Celebrate Nat’l Hospice Month
November is National Hospice Month, and our community is pulling together to celebrate, support, and raise awareness of hospice care. From eating out to dressing down, and selfie-tag to penny wars, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. Questions? Call us at 859-986-1500. COMMUNITY Sat., Nov. 7, 9am-4pm, Compassionate Care Center, New Volunteer Training:…
“Evening of Music” in Beattyville Nov. 7
Beattyville Christian Church is hosting a special event—An Evening of Music—on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6pm, to raise funds for Hospice Care Plus. Featured music includes bluegrass, jazz, classical, country, gospel, folk and more. Local musicians will be highlighted. The organizers suggest a donation of at least $5.00 to attend. All proceeds benefit Hospice Care…
Holiday Grief Workshops Nov. 10 and 12
For people who’ve recently lost a loved one, the holiday season can present numerous challenges. The Holiday Grief Workshop, created and hosted by Hospice Care Plus, will discuss those challenges and give participants tips and tools to help them navigate the holiday season. The workshops will be held on November 10 and 12 at Hospice’s…
New Volunteer Training Nov. 7
Hospice Care Plus is hosting a new volunteer training on Sat., Nov. 7, from 9am to 4pm at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. The training is for those who would like to help provide care and support to individuals, caregivers, and families. Tina Hesketh, Hospice’s volunteer coordinator, says volunteers can fill many roles. “We…