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A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan and help you feel more confident about what’s next
When you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to have a lot of questions — including, “Should I get a second opinion?” The answer, says oncologist Megan Kruse, MD, is often a resounding “Yes.” Here’s why.
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When you have breast cancer, getting a second opinion can:
It’s best to seek a second opinion as soon as possible after your diagnosis — ideally, before you start any type of treatment. And while you don’t need any special reason or excuse to get a second opinion, it may be especially insightful if you:
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Sometimes, it can take a bit of time to set up a second-opinion appointment. If you’re worried that this could delay the start of your treatment, talk to your healthcare provider to see what they recommend.
“You’ll want to get the names of several doctors and hospitals that have the most experience in treating breast cancer and are familiar with the latest updates on treatments,” Dr. Kruse advises.
Be sure to bring all of your medical records, imaging and pathology slides from the other hospital to your second-opinion appointment (or have them ready if you’re attending a virtual appointment).
Before your appointment, write down a list of questions to ask about your breast cancer diagnosis, like:
After your second-opinion appointment, speak with your original doctor to discuss what you’ve learned and how, if anything, it might change your treatment plan. If the two doctors’ views are very different, they may have to speak with one another to try to come to an agreement.
Oh, and one more thing: Seeking a second opinion doesn’t necessarily mean you have to switch doctors. You may decide you do want to do that — like if your current provider doesn’t specialize in the treatment you need — but it’s not usually the goal.
“Getting a second opinion can be an opportunity to meet with another doctor who can provide a second set of eyes about your diagnosis and treatment plan,” Dr. Kruse reiterates. “This does not mean you have to switch providers. Most of the time, second opinions reassure patients that they’re on the right track and should have confidence in their local doctor or team.”
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Though you may feel uncomfortable asking your initial doctor for a second opinion, try not to be daunted.
“Your doctor shouldn’t take offense to you asking about a second opinion,” Dr. Kruse says. “It’s very common and even encouraged. As doctors, we often feel reassured by the input of colleagues — but if you really don’t want your second-opinion doctor to share their thoughts with your initial physician, that’s OK, too. The opinion can be for you only.”
Ultimately, getting a second opinion can help you feel more confident about your care options and decisions — so you feel as prepared as possible to face your breast cancer diagnosis.
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