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
“Save A Seat” Coming Oct. 17
A group of Bereans are once again holding their own special event to raise funds for Hospice Care Plus. “Save a Seat,” a dinner and show, is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 17, 6PM, at the Rock House, located behind Church on the Rock in Berea. Created by Donna Angel, the event will raise funds for…
Kilted Classic Coming Sept. 17
The first annual Kilted Classic is coming to Richmond on Thursday, Sept. 17. The University Club at Arlington will play host to the new event, created and organized by local attorney, golfer, and Celtic enthusiast, Jud Patterson. The fun begins Wednesday night, Sept. 16, at the Mule Barn at Arlington with a pre-party featuring singer-songwriter Ashley…
To Get Back Home
Nancy Isaacs, a Hospice Care Plus nurse, now retired but with 20-plus years under her belt, will never forget one patient’s bucket-list story. “He hadn’t lived in our county very long,” remembers Nancy. “He was from a small town in eastern Kentucky, and his greatest wish was to have his body taken back there to be…
Ace Hardware Event to Benefit Hospice
Bluegrass Ace Hardware in Richmond, with Case Ambassadors Joe and Kathy Litton, are hosting a Case Knife Event and donating a portion of the proceeds to Hospice Care Plus. The event is on Saturday, September 19, from 9am until noon. There is no cost to attend. During the event, fans and knife collectors can view and…