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Cancer and Second Opinions
Bob Riter
bob@ibca.net
People diagnosed with cancer sometimes ask me if their doctor will take offense
if they get a second opinion.
The answer is no. Nearly all doctors today are receptive to patients getting
second opinions. (And if you have one of those rare doctors that does take offense,
you should consider getting a new doctor).
You should also realize that some of the patients in your doctor’s
office are there for second opinions – it works both ways.
Doctors want you to be comfortable with the treatment decisions that are made.
And they want you to feel comfortable with them as individuals. Treating cancer
is often a life-long partnership between the two of you.
Here are a few suggestions:
- It’s entirely appropriate to ask your doctor for a recommendation
as to where to go for a second opinion. This is especially true for rare cancers.
You’ll want a second opinion from someone who sees that particular type
of cancer on a regular basis. In addition, your doctor’s office can
help arrange the appointment and send or copy your medical records for you.
- You should ask your doctor how long you can safely wait before beginning
treatment. Some cancers are relatively slow moving and a month’s delay
in beginning treatment won’t make any difference. Other cancers are
more aggressive and treatment should begin quickly. It’s often possible
to obtain a second opinion even after treatment has started.
- You may be able to obtain a second opinion without leaving town by arranging
a telephone consultation. Major cancer centers are often able to provide opinions
based on your medical records and pathology slides.
- Contact information for the nation’s major cancer centers is available
through the National Cancer Institute by phone at 800-4-CANCER or through
its website at http://www3.cancer.gov/cancercenters/centerslist.html.
The Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance (277-0960) can also direct you to this information.
- What should you do if your second opinion differs from the original recommendation?
You can ask the two doctors to talk with each other to see if they can reach
a consensus. You can seek a third opinion. Another option I recommend is to
meet with your family doctor. He or she can often explain the options, place
them in context, and help you reach a decision.
From the Ithaca Journal, March 23, 2007
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