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

Receiving the results of a test that suggests or confirms that you or a loved one has tested positive for cancer can be difficult to take. A flurry of thoughts and emotions can take hold during a time when many decisions need to be made as soon as possible.

These emotions can be overwhelming and can often lead to a period of denial as defined by the Kubler-Ross model, whilst a multi-disciplinary cancer team is set up and oncologists develop an effective treatment plan.

However, any plan for treatment must also be right for you, which is why you have the right to seek a second opinion for your diagnosis, where we can use our advanced genomic sequencing techniques and equipment to provide a comprehensive overview of your tumour and treatment options.

Getting a second opinion is often available at any stage of your cancer treatment, although it generally takes place before a treatment plan is agreed, and most doctors will respect your right to seek one and explore your options.

However, in some cases, a second opinion can be more necessary than others. Here are some examples of why you should or potentially must get a second opinion, what you should do if one opinion is very different from the other, and the process of seeking a second opinion.

Why Are Second Opinions Typically Sought Out?

Second opinions are common across the medical world, but the complex and diverse ways in which cancer can affect people mean that they are most commonly sought out in the early stages between a positive test and the start of a treatment plan.

There are several reasons why second opinions are particularly important, many of which will be either undertaken by your GP or lead doctor in your cancer team or will be suggested by them to ensure you get the best treatment possible:

• Confirming A Diagnosis - This is a standard part of the testing and diagnostic process, ensuring that it is clear what type of cancer you have, where it is located and its current stage, as all of these can affect your treatment.
• Identifying Specialist Treatment Options - Cancer specialists often have different approaches to treatment or access to different equipment. This means that a second opinion often provides access to a wider range of treatment options.
• Clarify And Correct Any Misdiagnosis - A diagnosis is not made until it is clear that there is no other explanation for test results, but if you have any concerns about how long it is taking or if the results are incorrect, seeking a second opinion can help provide clarity.
• Provide Reassurance - A second opinion can also be used to solidify and confirm any potential treatment plans, and help ensure that it is the best possible choice.

When Should You Seek A Second Opinion Most?

There is often a benefit to getting a second opinion to evaluate your options and get as much information as possible about the cancer.

However, there are particular situations where a second opinion is particularly essential and may be suggested by your doctor:

• Rare Types Of Cancer - If you are diagnosed with a rare cancer, the symptoms can be less recognisable and require more specialised tests. A specialist in treating this particular cancer will often become involved to help confirm a diagnosis and prepare a treatment plan.
• If The Options For Treatment Are Limited - The options for cancer treatment vary depending on the type of cancer and the expertise of the cancer team. A second opinion could examine the potential for alternative approaches.
• Exploring Less Aggressive Treatment Options - Medical orthodoxy is to explore less invasive treatment options first and balance the effects of any potential treatment with its benefits and needs. A second opinion provides additional options which may be less aggressive.

What Should You Do If The Second Opinion Is Different From The First?

Sometimes, the first diagnosis and the second opinion will match, with the latter providing additional reassurance and clarity. However, there can be cases where the second opinion is very different to the first.

Ideally, the doctors behind the initial and second opinions should consult with each other so they can compare findings and see why their conclusions diverged so much. Usually, that leads to a treatment consensus.

In other cases, it may be necessary to seek a third opinion, particularly in complex cases.

How Can You Get A Second Opinion?

• Talk to your specialist about anything you are confused about. They may suggest a second opinion, clarify what it means and help send medical records with your consent to the doctor.
• Book an appointment with the specialist you are seeking an appointment from.
• Let them know about your symptoms, any treatments you have had and any questions you have.
• Be prepared to make notes to compare.
• Getting a second opinion does not mean a change of doctor, you are in control of your treatment and should let your primary doctor know of your intentions for treatment.