10 Reasons To Seek a 2nd Opinion for Cancer Treatment

10 REASONS TO SEEK A SECOND OPINION FOR CANCER TREATMENT Confirm Diagnosis 01 Diagnosis can be tricky. Different physicians can come up with different diagnosis. Rarely will it be totally different, but there may be some details that may change the suggested therapies. Allay Doubts 02 Many cancer patients wonder "what if?" What if my doctor is wrong? What if there are other treatments? The second opinion can help build confidence and trust with your primary cancer physician. New Perspective 03 Cancer is a complex disease. Physicians may have different perspectives on the same problem. Having two or more other insights can be helpful, both to you and the treating doctors. Alternative Care 04 Most doctors you meet will offer treatments based on standard of care guidelines. However, you have a right to discuss options with doctors who specialize in alternative treatments or supplemental care. Comfort Level 05 You will be working with your oncologist and their staff for months and even years to come. It is important that that you feel comfortable and have a good working relationship. If you don't, explore other options. Experience 06 No one doctor is an expert in every cancer. You can ask your doctor about their experience treating your specific cancer. You should get a second opinion from a physician who is expert in your form of cancer. Additional Options 07 If you are not sure about the options suggested, or feel they are limited, you may want to seek out further advice from another physician Clinical Trials 08 Major university centers and private companies are seeking participants to try new approaches to treating cancer. A consultation with another physician may help you research and understand these options. Better Facilities 09 Be aware of where you will be treated. Small clinics present some advantages, such as attentive, personalized care. Large university medical centers though may offer new cutting-edge treatments. It's Your Life 10 It is your responsibility to empower yourself as a patient. So learn as much as you need to make confident decisions about you or a loved one's health. Copyright Empowered Doctor, Inc. 2014, All Rights Reserved www.empowereddoctor.com 中