Should You Get a Second Opinion on Your Cancer Diagnosis? How to Do It Without Awkwardness

Key Takeaways

• Getting a second opinion on cancer can refine the diagnosis, open up new treatment options, and help patients feel more confident about their care.
• A cancer second opinion is especially valuable for rare diagnoses, failed treatments, patients who feel uncertain about treatment, and getting access to clinical trials.
• Patient autonomy matters. Most oncologists will encourage seeking a second opinion, but patients do not need their doctor’s permission to get one.
• To ask a physician about getting a second opinion, emphasize wanting more information, options, and peace of mind before proceeding with treatment.
• RCCA offers advanced treatment options, clinical trial access, a community-based care model, and fast scheduling for second-opinion appointments.

Why Do Cancer Second Opinions Matter?

Getting a second opinion about cancer matters more than you may realize. Studies show that a second opinion changes or refines the diagnosis in 15% to 25% of cases. This may mean changing the diagnosis to another type of cancer or a benign condition, or it may mean extra information and context for the first diagnosis. When dealing with a serious condition such as cancer, confirmation is always worth it.

Even when the original diagnosis is confirmed, the second opinion changes the treatment plan in up to 50% of cases. Reviewing the case may lead to less aggressive surgeries or alternative drug choices with fewer side effects. The patient may have the option of active surveillance rather than immediate treatment. The second specialist may even have access to more advanced treatment pathways, including recent innovations such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or clinical trials.

When Do Second Opinions Matter More?

While every cancer diagnosis can benefit from a second opinion, there are certain situations where getting additional insight can matter more. These are situations when extra information is especially valuable. Patients should consider getting a second opinion if:

• The cancer diagnosis is rare or unusual
• The patient is uncertain about the recommended treatment
• The cancer is not responding to treatment as expected
• The patient is considering a clinical trial
• The current treatment center does not offer the desired therapy
• The patient wants to feel confident in their treatment plan

In all these situations, the second opinion can provide valuable information about the diagnosis and treatment options. Just as importantly, it also improves the patient’s peace of mind, helping them feel confident about having chosen the right pathway.

Is Getting a Second Opinion Disloyal to Your Doctor?

While many patients with cancer want a second opinion, some also worry that asking for information elsewhere may be disloyal to their first oncologist. On the contrary, getting a second opinion is not disloyal. Good oncologists expect and even encourage second opinions. Major cancer organizations also recommend getting one, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

How Can Patients Avoid Offending Their Doctors?

If patients aren’t sure how to speak with their doctors, then they should frame it in terms of their own peace of mind. Rather than implying a lack of trust, emphasize wanting more information before making a decision about major treatment. Patients can also ask for recommendations and assistance to keep their doctor involved and demonstrate continued trust. Here are some sample scripts to follow:

• “This is a big choice for me, and I want to gather all my options before deciding. Can you help me share records to get a second opinion?”
• “I want to get a second opinion for extra peace of mind before moving forward. Can you recommend a specialist with expertise in this condition?”
• “I want to feel as informed as possible. Would you be open to coordinating with another specialist so I can get another perspective?”

A good oncologist will assist with their patient’s search with useful connections and warnings about untrustworthy locations. If the doctor discourages it, remember that patient autonomy is vital. Patients do not need permission from their current doctor to consult a specialist. They can request copies of medical records and find a new expert for a second opinion and better autonomy.

When Should Patients Get a Second Opinion?

While getting a second opinion can be valuable at any point in the cancer treatment process, there are certain milestones at which patients can get more out of a consultation. The following are ideal times to request an appointment and learn more:

• After initial diagnosis: Right after getting diagnosed is the ideal time to get a second opinion. It gives patients the opportunity to investigate other options before treatment begins.
• After a biopsy: Cancer biopsies provide the most information about a cancer and its properties. A second opinion allows another specialist to interpret the results.
• After failed treatment: If the initial treatment is not working, then a second opinion may reveal why. It may also uncover other options that might be more effective.
• Before major surgery: Major surgical procedures are stressful for the mind and body. It is always worth getting more information before moving forward.
• Before clinical trials: Different medical centers participate in different clinical trials. If you are looking for options, getting a second opinion may open new opportunities.

How to Get a Cancer Second Opinion, Step by Step

Getting a second opinion can be intimidating to patients who don’t know where to start. Here is a step-by-step guide to help make the process more manageable:

Gather Medical Records

First, patients must collect their medical records. These documents will give the oncologist the information they need to consider a diagnosis and treatment. While this list is not comprehensive, it includes the absolute essentials that a patient should provide:

• Pathology reports
• Biopsy slides, preferably in physical form
• CT, PET, and MRI scans, either on a disk or digitally
• Lab results
• Blood work
• Operative notes from surgery (if relevant)
• Current treatment records
• List of active medications

Choose a Location

Next, patients must choose where to request an appointment. The primary types of centers to consider are major cancer centers and community oncology networks. Each model offers different advantages, so patients should choose their priorities before settling on a provider.

• Major centers: Large cancer centers, including academic centers and hubs, are best for cutting-edge research and direct access to Phase I and II clinical trials. They may also include oncologists who specialize in specific organ systems or rare cancers.
• Community networks: Community cancer networks are best for high-quality treatment close to home, letting patients save on travel costs and fatigue. They also cost less than major centers and let patients build relationships with familiar teams.

RCCA combines the best of both. It offers community-type care with local clinics and personalized relationships, but with a massive reach that combines the expertise of oncologists across the East Coast. This means patients can also access advanced research, specialist care, and clinical trials without having to travel to a major cancer center.

Schedule the Appointment

Finally, patients must schedule the appointment. When scheduling, patients should be specific about what diagnosis they are seeking a second opinion for. RCCA prioritizes second-opinion appointments to let patients get in quickly. We also offer telehealth appointments when medical records are sufficient.

Questions to ask include:

• Could my biopsy or imaging results be interpreted differently?
• Should we repeat any tests or run new ones?
• What are the risks and side effects of my recommended treatment?
• What are the expected outcomes and goals of this treatment?
• Are there any alternative treatments available?
• What is my outlook with each type of treatment?
• What side effects come with this treatment?
• Am I eligible for any clinical trials?
• How many patients with this type of cancer do you treat annually?
• How will you coordinate treatment with my primary oncologist?

Patients should ask as many questions as possible. The purpose of a second-opinion appointment is to get more information, so patients should make sure they walk away with the information they want.

Get a Second Opinion Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area

Getting a second opinion for a cancer diagnosis can open the door for more confidence and a more effective treatment. Patients with cancer can get a second opinion at Regional Cancer Care Associates, one of the largest cancer specialist networks in the eastern United States. RCCA specialists provide care to more than 30,000 new patients and 265,000 established patients each year. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, cutting-edge diagnostics as well as access to approximately 300 clinical trials in community-based centers close to home.

To learn more about RCCA, call 844-346-7222 or visit RCCA.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Second Opinion

Should I get a second opinion on my cancer diagnosis?

Yes, getting a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis is widely recommended. It can confirm that your diagnosis is accurate, explore alternative treatment plans, and provide peace of mind that you are receiving the best available care.

How do I ask my doctor for a second opinion without offending them?

Many doctors welcome a second opinion. However, to avoid awkwardness, you should frame the request around your peace of mind rather than your trust in the doctor. Express your desire to understand all treatment paths before making a big decision. You can also ask your doctor for recommendations and assistance with records to keep them involved with your care.

How often does a cancer second opinion change the diagnosis?

A cancer second opinion changes the diagnosis about 15% to 25% of the time. Sometimes, changing the diagnosis means uncovering another possible reason for symptoms. Other times, it means refining or providing more information about the existing diagnosis. Getting a second opinion is more likely to change the treatment plan with options for less aggressive or more personalized care.

What records do I need for a cancer second opinion?

To get a second opinion about cancer, bring any medical records that may be relevant to your diagnosis and treatment plan. This includes your pathology report, biopsy slides, imaging scans, radiology reports, lab and blood test results, medication list, and a summary of any previous treatments.

How quickly can I get a second opinion at RCCA?

RCCA oncologists understand that time is of the essence after getting a cancer diagnosis. This is why we aim to schedule second opinion appointments as promptly as possible. We use telehealth appointments to schedule quickly so patients can get answers soon.

Does insurance cover cancer second opinions?

Most insurance plans, including private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, cover second opinions. Many insurers treat a second opinion as a standard specialist visit, and some even require a second opinion before approving certain surgeries or major procedures.

What is a telehealth second opinion?

A telehealth second opinion is a remote appointment to discuss your health records and get a second opinion. The patient sends the oncologist their test results and other relevant documents for evaluation. When the oncologist has reviewed all the material, they schedule a remote appointment to discuss their interpretation and conclusions.

Does getting a second opinion delay my treatment?

Yes, getting a second opinion can delay your treatment by a few days or weeks. However, delaying care is often worthwhile to get better or more appropriate treatment. For most types of cancer, it is better to wait a few weeks for the right treatment than to begin the wrong one earlier. RCCA also aims to reduce the delay to allow for faster treatment and improve your peace of mind.