Why get a second opinion when you are diagnosed with cancer?

February 27, 2021

Recently, a client of mine was needed to be pushed a little bit to seek a second opinion regarding her cancer diagnosis. Although my client felt that her doctor's care for her was inadequate, she didn't realize she could and should see another doctor.

Here are some of the reasons to seek a second opinion according to American Cancer Society;

1. You want to be sure you have explored all options.

2. You think your doctor is underestimating how serious your cancer is.

3. Your doctor is not sure what is wrong with you.

4. You have a rare or unusual cancer.

5. You think another treatment might be available.

6. Your doctor is not a specialist in your type of cancer

7. Your doctor tells you there is uncertainty about the type or stage of cancer you have

8. Your doctor gives you a few different treatment options.

9. You’re having trouble understanding and communicating with your doctor, or you want your options explained by someone else.

10. You just want peace of mind that you have the correct diagnosis and that you are making the right treatment choice.

www.cancer.org/.../seeking-a-second-opinion.html

If you are disoriented and overwhelmed with your cancer diagnosis or having difficulty with the complexity of cancer treatments, you can always ask help from your doctors and nurses, your family or friends or seek help from patient advocates like us, so that you will get the best care!