Getting a Second Opinion

QUESTION: Is it important to get a second opinion after you've received a cancer diagnosis?

ANSWER: YES! Absolutely!! Just do it!!

REALITY: Asking your physician for a referral to another doctor can be daunting.

You may worry that you will insult your doctor by appearing not to trust his or her abilities.

You may be concerned that asking for a second opinion could, in some way affect the type of care that your physician will provide in the future.

It is also likely you feel pressured for time. You want to start your treatment as soon as possible. You want the cancer gone--NOW.

For all of these reasons--and more--you may want to talk yourself out of getting a second opinion. But don't. It's important to spend some time planning how you and your medical team will approach your care.

Here are some things to consider that may help you take this important step:

• Physicians themselves ask for second opinions when they receive a serious diagnosis. "I've taken care of cancer patients for a long time. I have never taken care of a doctor who didn't get a second opinion." Vincent T. DeVita, Jr. M. D. Fromer Director, National Cancer Institiute, as quoted in Fighting Cancer by Annette and Richard Bloch.
• Asking for a second opinion does not have to imply a negative--instead it means that you want to investigate all possible treatment options.
• Some health care insurance plans require a second opinion.
• Medical knowledge in speciality areas is increasing at an amazing rate--you need to learn what other specialists can tell you about how they would treat your particular type of cancer.
• Typically you are not putting yourself in danger if you take 1-2 weeks to gather more information. Emergency treatment is a very different situation and will likely present itself in a way that makes it very clear that a decision needs to be made quickly.
• Getting a second opinion is considered a standard practice. If your physician is offended by this, then you should wonder why.
  

Your physician or someone one in the office should be able to direct you to other qualified doctors in the medical speciality area. The office should even be able to help you set up this appointment in a timely fashion.

Do this for yourself. Get a second opinion.