Debunking Some Common Myths About Getting A Second Opinion

One of the most essential principles about cancer treatment is that you should be at the centre of any decisions when it comes to your health and must have everything you need to make an informed choice about your treatment.

This is especially important for cancer care, where a multidisciplinary team will plan the best treatment options for you, but you will need as much information as possible to choose the treatment that is right for you.

This is what makes the option of a second opinion for cancer diagnoses so pivotal; if there is uncertainty or confusion about your diagnosis or why your cancer team has devised the treatment plan they have, a second opinion can provide clarity or alternative options.

Whilst a second opinion is very important, it is not always taken due to a few frustratingly common misconceptions about what they are, how to get one and what they imply about your treatment.

In the interest of showcasing the value of a second opinion, here are the most common myths that are told about them, and what the truth actually is.

Do Doctors Get Upset If You Ask For A Second Opinion?

Some patients are concerned about asking for a second opinion because they worry that their doctor will see that as a lack of trust in their decision-making, but in actuality, the opposite is true.

Doctors will regularly talk to each other and seek advice about how to effectively diagnose and treat medical conditions, and in some cases where symptoms and test results are not completely conclusive, they will often recommend or organise a second opinion from a specialist.

This is especially true in cancer care; with so many types of cancers, technologies and methodologies for both diagnosis and treatment, second opinions are common, and doctors will empower you to seek out clarity to ensure you make the most informed treatment choice possible.

Section 18 of the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice guide reiterates that patients have a right to seek a second opinion, and medical practice has fundamentally been built around peer review.

Do Second Opinions Always Contradict The First?

Some patients are worried about adding unnecessary confusion by asking for a second opinion, but it is important to note that second opinions are not inherently adversarial; some second opinions will confirm the initial diagnosis and treatment suggestions, whilst others differ in ways that do not conflict.

Even if the two opinions agree, there is plenty of insight that you can get from seeking one out, and this can hopefully give you the confidence to know you are making the right choice for yourself.

Do Second Opinions Lead To A Delay In Treatment?

Some are concerned that seeking out a second opinion means going to the back of the queue, but in practice, this is not the case. In some cases, a second opinion can help expedite treatment by clarifying a diagnosis.

In many cases, reviews happen within just a few days, which can help to provide peace of mind and bring clarity to situations which can be confusing and overwhelming.

If you are worried about the impact of seeking out a second opinion, get in touch with your cancer team. They will let you know if there are any urgencies or factors that would make seeking out a second opinion more problematic.

Do I Have To Switch Cancer Care Teams Following A Second Opinion?

No, you do not have to switch teams, nor do you have to take the advice of a second opinion. By default, you will remain with your existing team, and any additional treatments can be integrated into your existing treatment plans.

Your existing team will also receive the results of any tests or the report of a second opinion in order to discuss your case further.

Are Second Opinions Just For Diagnoses?

As has been alluded to when debunking other myths, second opinions can cover a wide array of topics concerning your treatment.

Whilst confirming your diagnosis is a critical reason to seek out a second opinion through specialist tests, they are also often used to explore potential alternative and less invasive treatments, as well as allow you to discuss your treatments with another consultant.

They provide considerable insight into your treatment plan, examine whether it is the right choice for you and give you peace of mind.

Explore the Queen Square website to learn more about our advanced diagnostics, genomics and how they can ensure you get the best treatment for your condition.