And while many patients want to move immediately to treatment, a second opinion regarding diagnosis and treatment is important. A second opinion helps patients become comfortable with a treatment plan and with a physicians care. A cancer nurse navigator may be assigned to you to help determine what service is needed. With a disease as lifealtering as cancer, its important to be comfortable with your diagnosis and treatment. One way to make sure youre learning about all your options is to seek a second opinion from another doctor. While bladder cancer is a cancer not talked about as much as others, the chance men will develop it during their life is about 1 in 27. Getting a second opinion cancer information cancer.
Getting a second opinion may save more than your breast. A doctor should never be offended if you choose to seek a second opinion. After her breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy in 2004, cheryl hartman of lilburn. Getting a second opinion may save more than your breast when youre diagnosed with cancer, its often crucial, though you may worry about angering your doctor. Many of us face time constraints, and fitting another appointment into your busy work or home life may be challenging. Because of this, many cancers are more treatable now then they were previously, especially when the correct initial treatment is selected. Talk to your doctor many people feel reluctant to seek. Certainly i need to know more about what is wrong with me and what 1 can do to pick up the pieces. Many people do this, and most doctors are comfortable with it. It also can be intimidating to tell your current doctor you want a second opinion.
Usually with a new diagnosis there is a period of time, depending on the cancer type and stage, before treatment begins. A second opinion means seeing another gp or specialist doctor. Tips on getting a second opinion getting a second opinion means having the added benefit of another expert weighing in on your situation with his or her knowledge and expertise, says lonnie fynskov, a nurse educator for the cancer education program at mayo clinic. Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer can be extremely scary. Make an appointment with your first doctor to talk about the second opinion. In a new study, mayo clinic reports that as many as 88 percent of those patients go home with a new or refined diagnosis.
A second opinion for cancer treatment is a vital part of the process of being educated for cancer patients. Many factors determine how long a second opinion evaluation takes. How a second opinion renewed one cancer patients life. As a stage 4 cancer patient seeking a second opinion and treatment plan due to recurrence of a stomach tumor, i did not have time to lose negotiating the customary hurdles of my hmo insurance plan. But many people with breast cancer decide to get second opinions, and doctors are used to hearing this request. When youre dealing with cancer or another serious health issue, choosing a treatment plan can seem overwhelming. Youve been diagnosed with a rare or unusual type of cancer that can be particularly difficult to identify, such as kaposis sarcoma, malignant mesothelioma or medullary breast cancer. Although cancer patients seem to be asking for a second opinion more frequently, studies show the benefits of getting one are unclear. If its a call, it gets schedule for the date and time of your convenience. Mercy recently launched a new program geared toward women who received an initial breast cancer diagnosis outside of mercy and are seeking a second opinion on diagnosis andor treatment for medical. When it comes to cancer or any type of major medical problem, second opinions are invaluable. But any responsible health care professional will urge you to get a second opinion, not only to confirm the diagnosis, but to gather as much.
Getting second opinion for cancer treatment university. If the second opinion differs from the first, you may find the following tips helpful. Second opinion opens the door to lifesaving cancer care. Cancerdocs will assign your case to an oncologist of the cancerdocs network. Never feel intimidated if you want a second opinion. Hi jm numerous publications show the clinical and economic benefits of obtaining a second opinion for pathology specimens. When to get a second opinion breast cancer information. You can get a second opinion at any point during the cancer care process. In a serious medical situation, it can put patients at ease to have choices. Treatments are constantly getting better, and it is important to find someone who has experience with your type of cancer. A good doctor understands that many patients seek another opinion.
It can take time and legwork to find a second doctor, arrange for the second opinion, and deal with any insurance issues that may arise. Many patients come to mayo clinic for a second opinion or diagnosis confirmation before treatment for a complex condition. Obtaining a second opinion in pathology can in a small percent of cases lead to a complete change in diagnosis in a wide range of conditions including noncancerous growths, inflammatory disorders, infections, and cancer. A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis, suggest an alternate or additional treatment course or even lead to a different diagnosis. You can get a second or third, or more opinion for any. Its important to recognize the signs of bladder cancer so it can be treated early, as muscleinvasive bladder cancer needs aggressive treatment. Optimal care for your patients newly diagnosed with cancer is important to you and to us. This usually means going to a different hospital or gp surgery. Seeking a second opinion, adapted from this content. People who are diagnosed with cancer often experience a wide range of emotions, as well as a sense of urgency to get into treatment as soon as possible. Second opinion breast cancer program launches at mercy.
If its a second opinion, when it is ready you will receive an email. Why should i seek a second opinion about my cancer diagnosis and treatment. In recent times cancer treatment has evolved significantly. Prostate cancer diagnosis roswell park comprehensive. Through our innovative second opinion service, we can help you get access to the most exciting new cancer treatments and find the most decorated and highly specialised cancer surgeons and. Cancer diagnosis second opinion for better decisionmaking.
During this time, getting a second opinion may be an essential and necessary component of treating ones diagnosis. Cancer has been a topic on more than 20 second opinion episodes, and second opinion doctors have also discussed the future of cancer and cancer treatment, as medical research and technology advances against certain types of this disease. Getting a second opinion on breast cancer roswell park. A second opinion is the best way to ensure that your initial diagnosis of prostate cancer is accurate and that the recommended treatment strategy is right for you. Thats why the comprehensive cancer center at wake forest baptist medical center launched a second opinion program for patients with cancer. Our cancer second opinion service is specifically designed to give absolute confidence in your or your loved ones direction of care if diagnosed with cancer. At this point you can see the information of the doctor and directly contact him. Cancer treatments can also be modified or ceased in consultation with patients.
Free cancer second opinion and cost estimate medical. Most cancer patients dont need to rush into treatment if they want the time for a second opinion. Leann, who lives in milbank, south dakota, knew she wanted to seek that opinion at mayo clinic, but. Getting a second opinion is important in cancer care. Expert opinion from a medical oncologist who understands alternative therapies. Requesting a second opinion from the experts at moffitt cancer center can be especially valuable if. At the very least, though, its a good idea to seek one before starting treatment, because a second opinion can change the details of your diagnosis, suggest other treatment options, or even change the course of treatment entirely. If you are exploring your options or looking for a second opinion, the clinical teams at edwardelmhurst health including renowned oncologists and specialtytrained nurse navigators guide you through every step in the process.
Get a free cancer second opinion from our specialist doctors on medical diagnosis, treatment advice and also get a cost estimate. Many women think and feel that their options are limited and that they need to act immediately. Mayo clinic researchers demonstrate value of second opinions. Patients should prepare for a second opinion by tracking their previous appointments and tests, and checking their insurance plans. Getting a second opinion may help you decide the cancer treatment designed to meet your needs. Why it helps to get a second opinion on cancer care.
With a new cancer diagnosis there is a period of time before treatment begins when getting a second opinion may be an essential component of treating ones diagnosis. Sometimes patients are shy about seeking a second opinion because they feel they may be insulting their doctors judgment. When a person is diagnosed, it may be hard to make decisions about treatment options. I needed to quickly get opinions of recognized leaders in the field. People with any type of cancer can benefit from a second opinion, whether it is a more prevalent type of cancer or rare type of cancer. In a new study, mayo clinic reports that as many as 88 percent of those patients go home with a new or refined diagnosis changing their care plan and potentially their lives.
You might want to see another gp or specialist to get a second opinion about your diagnosis or treatment. Instead, i got a second opinion and im still alive. Download a free cancer treatment guide prepare for your appointment. A second opinion with me can address any cancer treatment concerns you have, help clarify how the treatment works, and what the likely outcome is for you. Cancer second opinion program wake forest baptist health. My experience with massive bio was professional and satisfying.
For most of us, getting a second or third quote for car and home repairs and upgrades is a routine activity that we think very little about. They will want their patients to feel comfortable and assured before starting treatment. When surgery to remove the tumor revealed that the cancer had spread throughout her abdominal cavity and was deemed medically incurable, leann and her husband, jody, immediately decided to get a second opinion. Study shows value of second opinions for breast cancer. Our specialists work closely with physicians in the community and will be happy to provide a second opinion and share information with them. A second opinion is an important part of becoming educated about your cancer and your treatment options. Make an appointment or get a second opinion uab medicine.
341 912 1228 793 62 1354 399 985 1181 1022 947 679 1326 1398 1515 165 751 634 1618 557 711 811 523 1095 1295 1183 154 56 213 856 290 406 1288 530 98 705