Why Get a Second Opinion
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event. You
may be experiencing many different emotions right now, including feeling
overwhelmed with all of the decisions you need to make. We’re here to help you
through the process.
Exploring a second opinion can help you make a more informed
decision about your cancer treatment. It can also introduce you to advanced
treatment options. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), we evaluate
your type and stage of cancer, as well as needs like nutrition planning and
family support during cancer treatment. A dedicated team that includes your
medical oncologist, surgeon, registered dietitian, naturopathic oncology
provider and more, communicate regularly and work together to develop a
treatment plan for your body, mind and spirit.
What is a Second Opinion?
During
a second opinion, a physician will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your
current and past medical history, your type and stage of cancer and make
treatment recommendations.
A
physician may also recommend additional diagnostic testing to confirm the type
and stage of your cancer. Based on the results, your physician will discuss a
variety of treatment options with you.
Why Get a Second Opinion?
Here
are six benefits of getting a second opinion for your cancer care:
1. Feel
Empowered and Take Control – By
proactively seeking a second opinion, you and your loved ones become more
informed about all of the available treatment options. Learning more about your
cancer and your treatment options can also help you feel in control of your
health.
2. Confidence
and Peace of Mind – A second opinion can help
you feel more confident that you are choosing the right treatment plan.
According to one study, one in eight cancer patients are misdiagnosed. In some
cases, a second opinion might yield a different type or stage of cancer, which
changes the treatment plan. If the original diagnosis is confirmed, a second
opinion may provide additional treatment options for you to consider.
3. Discover
Advanced Treatment Options – Some hospitals
have technology that is not available at another facility. Seeking a second
opinion from a doctor in another health system could provide more cancer
treatment options, including treatments that are more advanced or more tailored
to your individual needs.
4. Find
a Doctor You Really Like – Most doctors understand
that patients have a right to a second opinion and should not feel offended. In
fact, many doctors encourage it before making a treatment decision. You are
under no obligation to treat with the oncologist recommended by your primary
doctor. When meeting with a new doctor, take note of the nurses and office
staff, to make sure you choose to treat with the best team and/or hospital for
your needs.
5. You
Have a Rare Cancer – A rare cancer could mean
a greater chance of misdiagnosis, since it may be a disease that the
pathologist has rarely encountered. If you’ve been diagnosed with a rare cancer,
a second opinion may be beneficial to confirm the disease type and stage.
6. You’ve
Been Told There is No Hope – If one
doctor says your cancer is untreatable, another doctor may explore additional
treatment options with you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by
getting a second opinion.
Second Opinion Etiquette
You
may feel concerned that your doctor will be offended if you decide to seek
advice from another healthcare professional, and that is perfectly
understandable. A good doctor will understand that many patients decide to seek
another opinion, and will want you to feel comfortable and assured before
starting treatment.
Honesty
is an important part of the doctor/patient relationship, so it is best to keep
both doctors aware of your decisions. You will need to retrieve medical records
from your original appointment, and this can be a time to inform your physician
that you are exploring other treatment options.
A
doctor that is insulted by your choice to get another opinion may not be someone
you’d like to treat with in the future, as this is a common practice.
10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Asking
the right questions can help you understand important information about your
cancer diagnosis. Here are 10 questions to ask your oncologist:
1. What
types of diagnostic testing do you perform? An
accurate diagnosis is critical because it is the basis upon which your
treatment plan will be determined. For example, PET/CT scans help determine the
precise location of cancer in the body to accurately plan treatment. Tumor
molecular profiling identifies a tumor’s unique blueprint to choose targeted
chemotherapy drugs. It’s important to have access to advanced diagnostic tests,
as well as physicians who are experienced in performing them.
2. What
does my diagnostic testing tell me? The
information you should receive from diagnostic tests includes: where the cancer
originated, the size of the tumor, the stage of cancer and whether or not it
has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
3. What
treatment options are available? What do you recommend and why? Many
types of cancer have a variety of treatment options available. Your doctor
should be able to explain the potential benefits of each to help you understand
your options, even if he or she doesn’t perform a specific treatment.
4. What
happens if a treatment approach doesn’t work for me? At
any point, you should feel comfortable asking your doctor about the status of
your treatment. When choosing a care team, you may want to consider doctors
willing to try new therapies, depending on your response. Look for
professionals who will tailor treatments to your specific diagnosis, and who
are willing to pursue other options if your treatment isn’t progressing as
expected.
5. What
are the side effects of treatment, and how often do your patients experience
them? No two people will have the exact same
response to cancer treatment, and side effects may vary depending on what type
of treatment you choose. Ask your doctor what side effects you might
experience, so that you can plan ahead and choose with all of the information
you need.
6. How
will you help me manage side effects? Integrative
therapies can help prevent or manage side effects, so you stay strong and avoid
treatment interruptions. Some therapies that can support your wellness during
cancer treatment include: nutrition
therapy, naturopathic medicine, mind-body medicine, acupuncture, oncology rehabilitation, spiritual support and pain management. Ask
your doctor if any of these are available at your hospital, and how they can be
incorporated into your treatment plan.
7. How
many patients have you treated with my type and stage of cancer, and how
successful have you been? Ask how
much experience your doctor has treating your type and stage of cancer and
whether he/she is a board-certified specialist. You may also want to ask about
his/her facility’s
treatment results so you can see how
successful they have been in treating your cancer type.
8. Who
will be involved in my care, how often will they meet and who is my main point
of contact? An integrated care team including
a surgical, medical, and/or radiation oncologist; dietitian;naturopathic oncology provider;
clinical nurse and medical advocate (often a nurse care manager) can ensure you
get support for your entire well-being during treatment. If you don’t already
have a team like this in place, talk to your doctor about assembling a
multidisciplinary team.
9. Where
will all my treatments, appointments, tests, etc., take place? When
looking for a treatment facility, consider the coordination and convenience of
your treatment. Having appointments and procedures in one location can make
treatment less stressful for you, and it may allow you to start treatment
sooner.
10.
How will you help me balance my
cancer care with the demands of my normal life? Your
cancer treatment should adapt to your individual needs, and family and
professional obligations. Talk to your doctor about your personal needs, so
that all aspects of your life are considered when choosing a treatment plan.
The path to the right treatment plan
Exploring your options with a second opinion
could help you find the right treatment plan for your individual needs.
Discover the benefits of seeking a second opinion.
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