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.
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News & Events
Give a Heart for Hospice in Feb.
During the month of February, the community is invited to give a heart for Hospice. All month long, this fundraiser gives you the opportunity to show your support by donating for a heart for Hospice online or at participating banks. It takes a lot of heart to provide care for all, regardless of insurance status…
Volunteer Training March 2
In-Person Volunteer Training March 2 Hospice Care Plus is hosting an in-person training for new volunteers on Saturday, March 2, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, at the Madison County Public Library in Richmond. Register today to secure your spot! Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Mariah Smith, volunteer coordinator, says the in-person, group training has a…
Grief During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a uniquely difficult time for those grieving the loss of a loved one. A 2021 survey of 2,000* U.S. adults indicated that 36 percent of respondents didn’t want to celebrate the holidays because of feelings of grief or loss. The reasons vary widely from person to person and among age groups. The…
Remembrance Tree Ceremony 2023
QUICK FACTS: When: Sunday, December 3, 2 PM Where: EKU Perkins Building, 4436 Kit Carson Drive, Richmond, KY 40475 Why: Whether your loss was recent or not, the holidays are a time when those we’ve lost are especially missed. Who: All are welcome to participate, regardless of whether we cared for your loved one. What does…