Getting a second opinion

Your multidisciplinary team (MDT) is a group of specialists who work together to plan your treatment. The MDT looks at national treatment guidelines or the latest evidence for the type of cancer you have. It uses that information to plan the most suitable treatment for you.

Many people are happy with their treatment plan, but some people want a second opinion.

A second opinion means asking a different GP or cancer doctor whether they agree with your diagnosis or treatment. This usually involves going to a different hospital or GP surgery.

You can ask your cancer doctor to refer you for a second opinion. The NHS does not have to provide a second opinion. But you have the right to ask for one and most doctors will be happy to refer you.

Before asking for a second opinion, it is a good idea to ask your GP, cancer doctor or specialist nurse to go over your diagnosis and explain anything you do not understand.

If you are unhappy with your diagnosis or would like to consider a different course of treatment, you can discuss this with them. Your healthcare team will be happy to explain things. In many cases, there may be no need for a second opinion.

It may help to take someone with you to these appointments, so they can help you remember what is said. You might also prefer to write down your concerns before your appointment, so you feel more prepared. Or you can ask to record the meeting on your telephone, with everyone’s permission.

Here are some of the reasons why you might ask for another appointment or a second opinion:

It can help to prepare for your appointment by thinking about what you want to get from it. It may help to write down some questions beforehand, to make sure you remember to ask everything.

It can also help to take a family member or friend with you, so they can help you remember what is said. They can also write notes for you. You can also record the meeting, if everyone agrees.

Here are some examples of questions to ask when getting a second opinion.

• If the second opinion differs from the original one, what is the reason for this?
• Do I need any treatment?
• Are there other treatments I could have?
• What are the side effects of these other treatments?
• What impact might the treatments have on my life?
• How long will I have treatment for?
• Will I need to have my treatment at another hospital?

It is helpful to take any clinical letters or other information you have been given to your second opinion appointment. This will help the cancer doctor to understand what you have already been told.

If you find it difficult to get a referral for a second opinion, you may be able to get help from patient advice services. These are different depending on where you live in the UK:

• England – the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
• Scotland – the Patient Advice and Support Service
• Wales – your local Community Health Council
• Northern Ireland – your Patient and Client Council.

You can get the phone number of your patient advice service from the hospital switchboard. Or your local Citizens Advice in England Scotland and Wales may be able to advise you.