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
Center Update Nears Completion
In 2023, our Compassionate Care Center marked its 15th anniversary. After 15 years of providing care to thousands, the facility needed key updates to maintain it as a comforting, peaceful place for patients and families. Thanks to an anonymous donor who gave an unrestricted gift of $10,000, we were able to launch an update plan…
New Grief Support Group Offerings
Hospice Care Plus is offering several new support groups for those grieving the loss of a loved one. The newest addition is a six-week Grief Support Series. The series uses focused topics for each session with opportunities for participants to share their experiences. The last session is dedicated to creating a shadowbox in memory of…
Rockin’ Derby Eve Benefit Party May 3
Reservations are now open for the area’s longest-running Derby Eve party. Rockin’ Derby Eve will take place Friday, May 3, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Madison County Fair Grounds’ Richardson Hall. Reservations are open through May 1. Although the name has changed over the years – Bourbon, Boots & BBQ, the Gala on…
Positive Payload Program awards $250.00
American Trucks has awarded Hospice Care Plus $250.00 through its Positive Payload Program. These unrestricted grants are awarded to non-profits who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their community and who rely on the use of specified pickup trucks to help serve their mission. Organizations are selected from applications on an ongoing basis,…