Four reasons to get a second opinion

A different perspective on a medical issue could be the key to getting a better outcome

Fresh input may bring a better outcome

Bcondition eing diagnosed with cancer or any serious medical

is unnerving, to say the least, and you might be tempted to immediately do whatever your doctor recommends. But what if there are other treatment options? What if another doctor could give insight? Seeking a second opinion gives you – and your primary doctor – access to that information.

1

YOUR DOCTOR WANTS YOU

TO GET ONE Patients often think seeking a second opinion might insult their doctor. But the truth is all doctors have patients who get second opinions, and all doctors have patients who see them for that second opinion. So they don’t take it personally. In fact oncologists often consult with colleagues when making diagnoses, especially on potentially complicated cases.

When you go for a second opinion, your new doctor will likely reach one of three conclusions:

1. Agree with your original diagnosis and treatment.

2. Agree with the original diagnosis but o er a di erent treatment plan.

3. Disagree with the original diagnosis and o er a new one with a di erent treatment plan.

2

YOU HAVE TIME Hearing ‘you have cancer’ can trigger a get-it-out-now response. But you have time to seek out a second or even third opinion. For example, additional opinions can be valuable for all stages and all types of breast cancer. Most breast cancers are slow growing, and a second opinion usually only takes a few days to a few weeks. The exception is if you’ve

TAKE A CLOSE FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER WITH YOU SO YOU HAVE A SECOND SET OF EARS TO TAKE IN ALL THE INFORMATION AND DETAILS

been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer or inflammatory breast cancer; here, time is of the essence, so talk to your doctor about fast-tracking things. Also, a di cult case may increase the time it takes to get another viewpoint, but in that instance a second or even third opinion may be even more critical to ensure a correct diagnosis and treatment.

3

IT’S RELATIVELY EASY

Getting a second opinion is pretty straightforward, but takes time and e ort. Start by asking your doctor for recommendations. Also ask your circle if they know anyone with a similar diagnosis who would talk to you about their experience. Online research can further turn up reputable specialists. If you’re worried about costs, talk to your private health insurer and to Medicare.

Your job is to gather together any medical records, test results and X-rays the new doctor needs to assess the situation. Ask your doctor for copies. If your first doctor uses an electronic health record network, the second doctor may be able to access details that way.

Once you get a second opinion, you have some decisions to make. As you weigh up the pros and cons, ask yourself questions such as: Where did I feel the most comfortable? What are the possible benefits? Can I live with any side e ects? What are the long-term e ects?

4

IT COULD GIVE YOU ACCESS TO NEW TREATMENTS Seeking a second opinion at a research hospital or centre a liated with a medical school could also enable you to enrol in one of its clinical trials. These trials are how researchers look for, and test, innovative, enhanced treatment options. Ask your doctor if there are any trials appropriate for you. Trials often provide treatment at no cost.

THE MAIN GOAL OF GETTING A SECOND OPINION IS TO COLLECT ENOUGH INFORMATION TO FEEL COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT WITH YOUR ULTIMATE DECISION.