 A
second opinion is an important part
of becoming educated about your cancer
and your treatment options. The more
you can learn about your diagnosis
and your treatment options, the better
chance you have of receiving the most
appropriate treatment. Cancers are
now more treatable than they once
were, but there are also many more
treatment options and more complicated
procedures. Getting a second opinion
will help you understand these options
and help you make an informed decision
about which is best for you. Second
opinions will not offend competent
physicians. Second opinions will,
however, provide reassurance to you
and your family and ultimately allow
you to receive the most appropriate
therapy.
Why
do I need a second opinion?
A second opinion is part of the
education process that is critical
for cancer patients. The treatment
of cancer has evolved tremendously
in the recent past. As a result,
many cancers are now more treatable
than they once were, especially
if the appropriate initial treatment
is selected. In order to receive
appropriate treatment, patients
must understand the type of cancer
they have and the treatment options
that are available. However, there
are also many more options for treatment
and these options are more complicated
than in the past. For these reasons
and others, it is advantageous to
seek more than one opinion about
how your cancer can be treated.
Also,
a second opinion provides the opportunity
to get information from someone
other than the physician who will
be directing treatment, which is
usually the main source of information
for most patients. Second opinions
are a common practice in any area
of medicine that is complex and
that has multiple treatment options
available.
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