FRESH EYE NEVER HURTS
Reasons why you need a second opinion in Cancer
Cancer diagnosis most often comes with an element of shock followed by denial, which is followed by anxiety; partly due to the absence of visible symptoms, and partly due to the fact that the patient or his family is just unable to emotionally cope with a sudden diagnosis of such a critical illness. In such a state, it is likely that one wants to take an opinion, from another expert to be fully convinced. There is also fear of the suggested line of treatment – chemotherapy or radiation – that drives one to wonder if their primary doctor might be wrong; or if there is an alternate line of treatment that he is failing to consider.
Besides ‘hoping against hope’, are logical
…show more content…
With the concept of second opinion in India, gaining traction only in the last few years, many still wonder if it is okay to go for it. The most common doubts would arise around whether or not their primary medical practitioner might be fine with them, approaching another doctor. Is he really the best specialist for cancer treatment and oncology? Would he take offence? Would he know the second doctor personally, and would they talk? Should I, or not, disclose my decision to take second opinion? For those of us having such questions, here are some reasons why taking a second opinion might be helpful for the …show more content…
They are in-charge of choosing the treatment that best fits the case and implementing it in the best environment. However, the success of treatment often depends on how emotionally strong the patient is. Your second opinion giver could offer relevant guidance, proof-points and cases which contribute positively to the patient’s wellbeing, and give them strength to undergo the cancer treatment. Further, they could also identify risk factors such as genetic makeup, lifestyle triggers or possible pathogens that could’ve caused the cancer – and suggest preventive measures as applicable, for the family members who might also be under risk.
While on one side, as a result of lifestyle changes cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent in our country, on the other, we have access to best-in-class medical and biomedical advancements that have drastically reduced the suffering involved in cancer-care. With the patient’s wellbeing as the foremost priority, doctors and other medical/ nursing staff today, are methodically trained to help patients take treatment effectively, manage side-effects and