As the range of therapeutic options for cancer patients has exploded in recent years, it is challenging for general oncologists to keep up with all the advances, making second opinions a valuable practice for those who have been newly diagnosed.

From growing numbers of clinical trials to expanded non-chemotherapy options like targeted immunotherapies, it’s beneficial for patients to have access to the broadest array of possible and personalized treatments.

“Patients are sometimes worried about offending their doctor, but a good physician won’t be insulted or offended and will generally encourage people to do so,” said Endeavor Health medical oncologist Syed Huq, MD.

In fact, seeking a second opinion is a common practice for those diagnosed with cancer. Here are four reasons why a second opinion helps:

  1. To validate your diagnosis/current treatment approach

    Oftentimes the second opinion may help validate the information or treatment plan a patient has already received. “It’s always helpful to have a second set of eyes when considering the best course of treatment,” said Dr. Huq.

    According to Dr. Huq, getting a second opinion doesn’t necessarily mean transferring care to another institution. Generally, it doesn’t help patients who may be undergoing frequent treatments to get care at a place far from home, he added.

    The field of oncology is very much driven by national guidelines backed by evidence-based standards of care, and patients can ask about how proposed treatment strategies align with current guidelines.

  2. To broaden your options

    Of course, there can be gray areas, especially in the most complex cases. This is another area where second opinions can be beneficial. “For example, for some locally advanced cancers, a patient may be told by one surgeon that a tumor is not resectable, but another surgeon at a high-volume center who treats that cancer more regularly may have the experience and expertise to perform surgery,” said Dr. Huq.

  3. To ensure expertise in your type of cancer

    Sometimes family members and friends encourage newly diagnosed patients to seek a second opinion, and doing so can put everyone at ease, added Dr. Huq. When cancer strikes younger and otherwise healthy people, family members may be more adamant about considering multiple options. “It’s important to get an opinion from a physician who has specialized experience in treating your particular cancer,” said Dr. Huq.

    At Endeavor Health, new patients are presented at tumor boards, where multidisciplinary specialists — including surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and other clinicians — come together in a team approach to determine how to manage each individual patient’s cancer.

  4. To explore access to clinical trials

    Second opinions are especially valuable for patients at smaller healthcare institutions where subspecialists are not available. Among the things patients should look for when seeking treatment opinions is a robust clinical studies program with access to the latest national cooperative group and industry-sponsored trials, explained Dr. Huq. “The latest trials can significantly alter someone’s treatment plan, and they are also helping to advance the field and improve outcomes for future patients,” he added.