For a second opinion, a physician reviews all your medical reports and will either corroborate the diagnosis and treatment plan or make suggestions. The physician may also recommend additional testing to confirm the type and stage of your cancer. Based on the results, the other specialist will explore more treatment options for you.

Some of the advantages of taking a second opinion in cancer management are:

• Appoint a Doctor You Want

  Many doctors encourage taking a second opinion before making a treatment decision. You may prefer to be treated by a known oncologist or hospital of repute but were unable to consult them before the primary diagnosis. A second opinion gives you the chance to be diagnosed or treated by that health care team.

• Explore Advanced Treatment

  Some hospitals possess technology not available at other facilities. Seeking a second opinion from a specialist in another health care system may give you access to cancer treatment that is more advanced or better customized to your requirements.

• More Confidence

  One in eight cancer patients are misdiagnosed, according to one study. In many cases, a second opinion yields a different stage of the cancer, which changes the entire process. If the original diagnosis is confirmed, a second opinion may provide additional treatment options for you to consider. It puts your mind at ease that you are on the right track.

• You Feel Empowered

  By seeking a second opinion, you are taking a proactive approach in dealing with your situation. Knowing more about the cancer and the available treatment options puts you in greater control. A second opinion not only helps you in managing your overall health, it also gives more assurance to your loved ones.

• Your Prognosis is Dim

  If a doctor says your cancer is untreatable, another specialist may explore other treatment options with you. By taking a second opinion, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

• Your Type of Cancer is Rare

  Diagnosis of a rare cancer could be subject to errors; it may be a disease the pathologist has never or rarely encountered. If you’ve been diagnosed with such a cancer, a second opinion is not an option but a necessity, especially in confirming the type, stage and prognosis.

Asking the right questions can help you garner important information about your cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Here are 10 important concerns you should discuss with your doctor:

• 1. What diagnostic tests do you perform?

  Your treatment plan depends on an accurate diagnosis. For example, various imaging techniques are used to determine the precise location of cancer in the body for targeted treatment. Molecular profiling identifies the tumour’s unique blueprint to select the correct chemotherapy drugs. It’s important to have access to advanced diagnostic testing equipment, as well as physicians who are experienced in operating them.

• 10. How can we manage my cancer with minimal interruption of my normal life?

  Cancer treatment should be adapted to your individual needs, family and professional obligations. Make sure doctor considers all your aspects about your life when devising your treatment plan.

• 2. What do my diagnostic tests reveal?

  Your diagnostic tests should be able to tell you: the location where the cancer began, the tumour’s size, what stage the cancer has reached and whether or how far it has spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

• 3. What are my available treatment options? Why do you recommend this course of treatment?

  Many types of cancer have a variety of treatment options. Your doctor should be able to explain the potential benefits of each to help you understand your options, even if he or she doesn’t perform a specific treatment.

• 4. What happens if this approach doesn’t work for me?

  You should be comfortable asking your doctor about the effectiveness of your treatment at any point. You may want to consider doctors willing to try new therapies, depending on your situation and response. Look for professionals who will customize the treatment to your specific requirements; they should be willing to pursue other options if your treatment outcomes are not as expected strong

• 5. What are the side effects of this treatment? How intense are they? How often do patients experience them?

  No two people respond to cancer treatment in exactly the same way. Side effects vary depending on the treatment and your physiology. Ask your doctor what side effects you might experience, so that you can plan ahead and be prepared for them.

• 6. How will you help me manage the side effects?

  Integrative therapies can help you deal with side effects, remain strong and ensure seamless treatment Some wellness therapies to consider during cancer treatment are: naturopathic medicine, nutrition therapy, mind-body medicine, acupuncture, spiritual support, oncology rehabilitation and pain management. Ask your doctor, which of these available at your hospital, and how best they can be incorporated into the overall treatment.

• 7. How successful have you been with treating my type and stage of cancer?

  Know how experienced your doctor is in treating patients with your type and stage of cancer. You can also inquire his/her credentials and certifications. You might also inquire into the success rate of the health care facility as a whole in treating patients with your specific situation

• 8. Who are the people responsible for my care? How often will they check results and who is my primary point of contact?

  An integrated cancer care team should include surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, clinical nurse, naturopathic oncologist, dietician and a medical advocate (nurse care manager). If the health care facility does not have a multi-disciplinary team, you should look for a hospital that does.

• 9. Where will my diagnostic and treatment take place?

  When choosing your examination and treatment facility, consider your convenience first. It should be easy to co-ordinate with the various people involved in your treatment. Having all the procedures in one location can make treatment less stressful for you and your family members.