So, when might you consider a second opinion for cancer treatment?  Clearly that is a personal choice, but these are points you might want to consider.

Here is a bullet list from www.womenscancermag.com that I thought were good pointers.

• A poorly understood or communicated diagnosis
• An initial diagnosis by a non-cancer expert (board certified or eligible)
• An apparent lack of treatment options
• A treatment plan which involves a clinical trial
• Rare cancers
• A treatment plan that involves surgery as a primary treatment
• A diagnosis that has been made at a small or rural hospital
• A treatment plan which involves aggressive treatment
• A treatment plan which involves specialized treatment

Again, the more you see that your doctor is a specialist in the area and is able to "prove it" by training and history of experience, and the more the center is used to providing complex treatment, and the more you develop a trusting relationship, the less you should be concerned with a second opinion.  It may be more important to move along with your treatment.

 What do others list as reasons for second opinion?  This is a recent survey from www.cancerconsultants.com

• Reputation  73%
• Medical Training/Professional Qualifications  66%
• Personality/Bedside Manner  60%
• Availalble in timely manner   58%
• Network provider in my health plan  55%
• Availability of clinical trials or specific therapy  28%
• Clutural/ religious similarities  25%
• Physician gender  20%

To your health!!