When Should You Get A Second Opinion On A Cancer Diagnosis?

The point of patient-centred care is that the person who is being treated has the right to make an informed choice on the treatments they want to take.

A fundamental part of the General Medical Council’s standards and code of practice is to respect the right of a patient to accept or reject any suggestion regarding medical advice or treatment, as well as have the right to access a second opinion.

Whilst not a legal right in the eyes of the NHS, according to the Patients’ Association, it is still seen as a fundamental right for people and often a critical part of the treatment planning process.

Here is a brief explanation of second opinions, when it is a very good idea to contact a specialist in order to get one, and the possible implications of a second opinion to keep in mind.

What Is A Second Opinion?

A second opinion is a request for a reevaluation of your diagnosis, treatment or overall health with another doctor.

You always have the right to ask for a second opinion at any time and for any reason. Most doctors will be more than happy to help you through the process, as it is key to ensure that you are aware of the nature of your diagnosis and what your treatment plan entails.

The most common reasons why people request a second opinion is to seek clarification with a specialist in a given field, confirm that the treatment offered is right or find alternative options that are closer to your wishes, if you are unhappy or with the recommended treatment or if you feel like you do not have the same treatment objectives as your cancer team.

Whilst some people are worried that a doctor might take offence, it is often the exact opposite. They choose a treatment for a condition based on their knowledge, but know that in complex cases such as rare neurological conditions and cancer, having a specialist's view is vital.

You can typically get a second opinion simply by asking for a referral from your existing doctor or by contacting the specialist directly in order to save time, as long as you have copies of your medical records.

When Is It Essential To Get A Second Opinion?

Unless there is a medical emergency, which would usually mean that a second opinion would operate under the principles of Martha’s Law, it is typically recommended to seek out further advice if you have any questions about your treatment prior to any major procedures.

If you feel uncomfortable with your existing treatment plan or are uncertain if it is the right choice for you, seeking additional tests and advice from specialists can prove vital to either confirming it is the right treatment or providing an alternative.

Sometimes your cancer doctor will ask for your consent in getting a second opinion from a colleague or consultant with greater expertise in your specific condition. Much like you have the right to request a second opinion, you have the right to refuse one as well.

If the test results you received are not clear or you have received very different recommendations from your current cancer team, you will likely be recommended a second opinion in order to get more information.

Specialists will typically have additional testing equipment or expertise that a more typical oncology centre does not, such as DNA genomics testing equipment to help provide a personalised, optimised cancer treatment that could have a better prognosis whilst also being less invasive or potentially risky.

You also do not need to choose an alternative treatment suggested, so it can provide greater confidence regarding your choices and the fact that you have options when it comes to your treatment.

In some cases, the choice to get a second opinion may be based less on the expertise of your current doctor and more in terms of fit. Much like with therapists, the doctor-patient relationship is essential and you have the right to choose another doctor.

Finally, a second opinion may be able to offer novel treatments or those available in a clinical trial.

What Should You Consider About A Second Opinion?

Because you need to book additional appointments and your current cancer doctor needs to get your medical records together, it can take a little extra time to get a second opinion, so it is important to check if that delay would affect your options.

A second opinion is treated as a new patient referral and potentially additional travel to a specialist facility, and it would typically mean additional tests and consultation appointments.

On balance, however, it is usually beneficial to seek a second opinion unless the diagnosis and treatment plan are beyond any reasonable doubt.

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