HCA Midwest Health - May 25, 2022

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you want answers. You want them quickly, and you want them to help empower you to take control of your cancer care decisions.

“Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a more common cancer like lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, or colon cancer or a more rare type like sarcoma, there may be value in getting a second opinion after your cancer diagnosis,” says Suman Kambhampati, MD, board-certified in Hematology/Medical Oncology with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health.

Here are five reasons to seek a second opinion after a cancer diagnosis.

  1. You can benefit from a second opinion. “If it’s a common cancer with a well-established standard of care, they can offer insight into clinical trials or novel treatments that may be better than the standard, Dr. Kambhampati says.  “For cancers that are less common, second opinions can offer more treatment options. Our clinical trials and other treatment options may be different.”
  2. For some cancers, getting a second opinion is important. “It’s important to confirm the diagnosis is correct,” says Dr. Kambhampati. “Our physician-led network of oncologists oversees quality standards and program development to build centers of excellence for every major cancer type that are recognized by the top accrediting organizations in cancer. You can rest assured you’re receiving an expert second opinion you can trust.”
  3. You may be able to have a telehealth second opinion. “At HCA Midwest Health, we offer a convenient telehealth second opinion option,” Dr. Kambhampati says. “Patients will receive a one-on-one video consultation directly with a Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health clinic physician who has carefully reviewed your health history, test results and other relevant medical records. They take the time to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options in detail, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.”
  4. Even if you have started treatment, you can still get a second opinion. “Exploring and identifying the best treatment options for you is key to a better quality of life, recovery, and survival,” says Dr. Kambhampati. “There is always the opportunity to refine the course of care.”
  5. Timing is everything. “Appointments are usually available within 24-48 hours after receiving a patient’s records, Dr. Kambhampati says. “Patients will be able to quickly make treatment decisions after they have learned all they can about their diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options.”

If you have received a cancer diagnosis or recommendation for treatment and want another opinion, our convenient, fast and secure online service can help you get answers to your questions about a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Our second opinion telehealth cancer clinic is a convenient way to speak with an expert and find the information you’re looking for without having to travel to a physician’s office. Learn more at hcamidwest.com/secondopinion.