Unsure of your Diagnosis? Get a Breast Cancer Second Opinion

If you have just heard of your breast cancer diagnosis, it is a good enough reason to seek a second opinion. Every cancer diagnosis is different, and it is important to take a second opinion to understand how it affects you. So, whether you have early-stage or advanced breast cancer, it is advisable to get a second opinion.

Reasons to Get a Second Opinion

If you are unsure if you should get a breast cancer second opinion, here are some reasons to help you decide:

• To verify your breast cancer diagnosis and validate the type and stage of the cancer
• To find a facility or specialist you are more comfortable with
• When you sense uncertainty about your diagnosis or treatment plan when discussing it with your primary doctor
• When your primary doctor is not a breast cancer specialist
• When your doctor offers a few treatment options, but you wish to get more information about your cancer to make an informed decision regarding your treatment plan
• You are unable to communicate well with your doctor
• Your health insurance requires you to get a second opinion from another specialist

Should Everyone Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Consider Getting a Second Opinion?

 

Though anyone diagnosed with breast cancer can seek a second opinion with another doctor, it is often a practice in the case of metastatic or advanced-stage cancers. If you have been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, seeking a second opinion gives you more detailed information about your condition.

What Happens During a Breast Cancer Second Opinion?

During your breast cancer second opinion, the oncologist will evaluate all your reports and perform a thorough clinical examination. They may recommend some additional investigations like genetic testing if they feel the need. Your doctor will then discuss your diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan that they think is most suitable for you.

 

Your second opinion appointment may or may not change the original diagnosis. You may get additional information about your condition, and most often, the stage of your cancer might vary from the original one. Take some time to review your treatment options after your second opinion appointment, and then decide which doctor to go with.

When to Get a Breast Cancer Second Opinion?

You can get a second opinion anytime during your breast cancer journey. However, getting one before you begin your treatment is always recommended as it will give you a more detailed view of your diagnosis and treatment options and may even change the course of your treatment. 

 

In people with an aggressive form of cancer like inflammatory breast cancer, delaying a second opinion may be recommended as treatment must begin immediately. Delaying a second opinion may be allowed if you have to travel for your appointment and you have no support or company. You can discuss with your doctor and family the right time to get a second opinion.

How to Prepare for a Breast Cancer Second Opinion?

An appointment with a breast cancer specialist for a second opinion can be daunting and intimidating. We understand. Here are a few ways to prepare for your appointment and make the most of it:

• Take a family member or friend to your appointment for support. It is natural to feel stressed and may not remember everything said to you during the consultation. So, it is best to take someone along to help go over options and take better note of everything the doctor tells you.
• Note down any questions regarding your diagnosis, treatment, recovery, next steps, participation in clinical trials and anything else you’d like to know.
• Carry all your diagnostic test reports, imaging tests, and all other case-related documents.
• Always make an appointment with the doctor you wish to take a second opinion to ensure less waiting time. It may be a good idea to send your reports to them in advance so they know your case beforehand.

 

Questions to Ask When Getting a Second Opinion for Breast Cancer

Getting as much information about your breast cancer as possible is the primary goal of your second opinion appointment. It is essential to think ahead and ask relevant questions about your cancer, and these can include:

• Is my diagnosis correct?
• What are my treatment options?
• What is your recommended treatment plan?
• Can my cancer get cured?
• How long will my treatment take?
• What is the expected cost of treatment?
• What should I expect during my treatment?
• What side effects are likely to occur during the treatment?

Where to Get a Second Opinion for Breast Cancer?

If you need a breast cancer second opinion, ask your doctor to help you secure an appointment with another specialist. You can get a virtual or offline second opinion for breast cancer. Need help with a priority second opinion appointment, reach out to our team at Klarity Oncology.