How to Approach Second Opinions When Getting a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

By Kevin Knopf, MD, Health Guide Friday, June 29, 2007

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I suppose an easy answer is – when you want one. I think the two most common reasons patients get second opinions are (1) to gather information and see if the recommendation one doctor makes is similar to another, and (2) to find a doctor they feel comfortable with. The second r...

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Beth Brophy, Health Guide

6/29/07 2:16pm

Sarah beat me to it, referring to that sharepost. But I repeat that it's always wise to get a second opinion!

Beth Brophy

Traci Mulder, Health Guide

7/ 2/07 8:10pm

Thank you for this information of second opinions. So many times patients feel that if they seek another opinion they will insult their doctor. I, for one, have learned to get a second opinion even when I am happy with the first one. The reason I do this is because sometimes I have found that the only reason I am happy is because it is what I "want" to hear, not necessarily what I "need" to hear. I have also found that it also gives me a sense of peace that I am making the right decision if I get two doctors to give me the same opinion. If I do get two different opinions then I go for a third to see which way I should go.

Ann Krischer

7/26/07 1:13pm

I facilitate a support group and mentoring program for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. We don't have many "breast surgeons" in our area and one in particular is in the habit of telling women right after surgery whether or not they'll need chemo. Before the pathology! Needless to say, I have encountered 4 very distressed women lately who were blithely told they would not need chemo only to be told by the medical oncologist that they would. Can you help me figure out why this surgeon is doing this?

How to Approach Second Opinions When Getting a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

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