Your life Matters!
Organise a Medical Second Opinion with Grace Gawler
Why a second opinion is essential:
At your first diagnosis we recommend that you seek a second opinion because a cancer diagnosis is a life altering, body changing, emotionally challenging experience.
Patients tell us that obtaining a second opinion gave them confidence that they were making the right decision.
Your decision will impact your well-being, quality of life and survivorship.
Where a Medical Second Opinion is Helpful
*If you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer and experiencing significant side-effects.
*If your treatment is not working and you are not offered options.
*If diagnosed with a CUP (Cancer of Un-diagnosed Primary).
*If you feel uncomfortable with your oncologist, diagnosis.
*If the treatment offered has substantial side effects.
*If the treatments offered will result in unacceptable or unreasonable demands on your life and your family.
*If your doctor’s treatment goals are different from your own.
MD Anderson compelling patient story. Why you need a second opinion
Pathology professor, Lavinia Middleton, from MD Anderson USA, says, “It’s not uncommon for patients seeking a second opinion at MD Anderson to receive a significantly different diagnosis.
A 2011 review of some 2,700 patient cases revealed that in 25%, discrepancies between the original pathologists’ reports and MD Anderson’s were found. And a 2015 study showed clinically significant discrepancies in diagnosis in 10% of breast cancer patients at MD Anderson. Full Article
Second opinions should be a regular part of healthcare
Although many patients are reluctant to seek a second opinion, you may be surprised that many doctors welcome it. Second opinions are a valuable contribution to your survivorship and are included in our Services and Survivorship Care Plans.
Sometimes being proactive with a second opinion means that diagnostic tests need to be re-visited. The most effective way for patients who wish to explore second opinions is to request a referral for genomic testing via a registered laboratory.
Our Survivorship Care Plan patients are referred to genomic testing. Most patients today are familiar with genomic tests due to Covid 19. Genomics form an important part of obtaining a second opinion. Identifying the mutations in a patient’s cancer is the key to developing personalised treatments. During a video consultation with Grace she will clarify how genomic testing and help you and your specific cancer diagnosis.
Not getting a second opinion can potentially lead to a wrong diagnosis and ineffective or harmful treatment.
A 2004 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) showed that between 9,000 and 24,000 hospital patients die each year from preventable adverse events caused by the healthcare they receive (rather than the disease) – some of which are a result of inaccurate diagnoses or treatments.