Cancer can be life-changing. The journey should start with reassurance and confidence in your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Seeing another doctor can bring clarity to your diagnosis or prognosis. They may agree with the original clinician’s opinion, which can give you confidence. Or they may reveal new treatment options or approaches better suited to your needs.

This can be particularly useful if you’re facing complex decisions or are uncertain about your current plan. Receiving a second opinion helps you explore possibilities, so you can make choices feeling fully informed.

When you’re being treated for cancer, you want to know that you’re getting the best possible approach for you. 

Cancer medicine continually evolves, and the latest innovations aren’t always widely available. When you seek a second opinion, you may have the opportunity to hear more about these other options, including clinical trials and new treatments. 

Sometimes new treatments have advantages. For example, they may differ in treatment schedules, convenience, side effects or potential outcomes. They can also offer new hope if your current treatment is no longer working. 

If you ask for a second opinion about receiving a different cancer treatment, you’ll have the chance to discuss the advantages and disadvantages compared to your existing treatment plan. 

Hearing that your cancer is inoperable or untreatable can be frightening. This can be a good time to seek a second opinion. Oncologists often have their own opinions and experiences, and some may be willing to try another treatment option. 

For example, innovative radiotherapy treatments may offer an alternative when surgery is not suitable, such as for tumours that are difficult to reach or close to delicate organs. 

Whether a treatment option is suitable usually depends on: 

• The size and location of your cancer
• How fast it’s growing
• Your general health and the risk of certain treatments

When seeking a second opinion, bear in mind that other doctors may agree with your first doctor. This can be disappointing if you hoped to be offered new advice. But you can at least go forward knowing that you’ve explored the possibilities.  

With rare or complex cancers, getting a second opinion can be especially valuable. Treating these conditions often requires highly specialised knowledge, and different consultants may each have their own set of expertise. 

Seeing more than one specialist can help to refine the best approach for your unique circumstances, ensuring your treatment plan reflects the latest evidence and the newest proven therapies. 

At GenesisCare, we require a referral to offer a second opinion on your cancer. If you and your new doctor agree to proceed, your current care provider will need to send a referral letter and arrange for your medical records to be shared. 

For more information on getting a second opinion from expert consultants in your type of cancer at GenesisCare, make an enquiry or contact us on 0808 304 2332.

Your doctor can begin the referral process here. 

If you’re receiving cancer care through the NHS, you can still seek and pay for a private second opinion. Start by asking your GP or current consultant for a referral. 

For more information on getting a second opinion from expert consultants in your type of cancer at GenesisCare, make an enquiry or contact us on 0808 304 2332.

Your doctor can begin the referral process here. 

You can request a transfer to another hospital for cancer care. Start by discussing your reasons with your current care team or GP, as they can guide you through the process and provide a referral.

For more information on getting a second opinion from expert consultants in your type of cancer at GenesisCare, make an enquiry or contact us on 0808 304 2332.