Why should I seek a second opinion about my cancer diagnosis and treatment?
Seeking a second opinion is commonplace. 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. Seeking a second opinion when we are concerned about our physical health and well-being is extremely important but research suggests that individuals are often reluctant or do not understand how to gain a second opinion about medical issues. All public and private health systems recognise through their Charters that a second opinion is a patient’s right. Individuals should always feel comfortable seeking a referral for a second opinion.
A second opinion is a patient’s right.
Six reasons why a second opinion for cancer is a good idea:
- Often the trauma of diagnosis can hinder people’s attention to detail and memory of information. I have found that people who come to me for a second opinion gain the opportunity to hear and discuss the information a number of times allowing them to better absorb and understand it. This is because our sessions are longer than usual and people are given the chance to work through all of their questions in a relaxed way.
- After a diagnosis of cancer, people need time to fully ponder all the questions they may have about treatment options and decisions. This may take days to weeks. Short consultations often don’t allow for full exploration of concerns and public clinics don’t often allow for repeat visits at the patient’s request.
- Some people seek reassurance that the diagnosis and treatment already suggested are appropriate and want to know if all bases have been covered. Treatment for cancer has become more complex as more is known about the genetics of cancer and the various types and subtypes. There is an increasing array of treatment options meaning that decisions are now more complex than they once were.
- Some people I see do not want chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies for a number of reasons and would like to discuss these. This involves considerable discussion about the risks and benefits of these therapies as well as the risks associated with their decision not to have treatment.
- Our crowded outpatient facilities often mean there is a constant struggle with time pressures to keep patients flowing through the clinics. Unfortunately, the same issues can occur in private rooms as well. The advent of the electronic medical record has resulted in prolonged clinic times with much of the time taken up with looking at a computer screen rather than interacting with patients. Many patients are aware of these issues and are looking for ‘old fashioned’ attention to their needs and concerns in a more holistic way.
- Research also shows that patients seeking a second opinion do so because they need more information about the cancer or are dissatisfied with the information already given or the communication methods of the previous doctor. (Tattersall et al. MJA 2009;191:209-12, “ Second Opinion in Oncology. The experience of patients attending the Sydney Cancer Centre.”)
People have the right to make decisions about their own body and need plenty of time to discuss their concerns.
If you would like to discuss your cancer diagnosis or what your treatment options are, I am available to discuss these with you.
Contact Dr Hawson for an appointment