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
Big Blue Madness & Dueling Pianos!
Hospice Care Plus is excited to announce a new fundraiser that combines Kentucky’s love for basketball with music, comedy, an auction, and great food. On Friday, October 16th, Hospice Care Plus will host “Dueling Pianos & Big Blue Madness,” a new event at RT’s Cafe in Richmond. The fun begins at 7pm. The night begins…
New Study Links Hospice to Reduced Depression for Spouses
A new study shows that spouses of hospice patients have fewer depression symptoms than those whose spouses did not receive hospice care. The research was conducted at Mt. Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine and published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers studied Medicare claims data and responses to the Health and Retirement Study, which focuses on…
Poker Ride Benefit Coming Sept. 12
For the sixth year, the owners of L & P Liquor are hosting the Annual L&P Liquor Poker Ride to benefit Hospice Care Plus. The event is on Saturday, September 12, 10 AM, at Yesterday’s Bar and Grill at 826 Heath East Street in Richmond. Registration begins at 10AM and the ride begins at noon. The…
Karaoke Fundraiser at Purdy’s on June 11
Mr. Don Ray, a Hospice Care Plus patient, has a bucket-list wish. And, amazingly, that bucket-list wish is to do something for someone else. He has asked if he can do a small fundraiser for Hospice Care Plus, because he wants to give something back to the people caring for him and for others. So,…