Second opinions about treatment and providers

It’s okay to ask for a second opinion or choose a different team if you want to. Second opinions are not uncommon.

You can ask for one even if you are satisfied with the care you’re receiving.

A second opinion can reassure you that the treatment plan your team recommends is the best one for you. This can help you to decide:

• if you are happy with your current care or
• if you would prefer to see a new specialist or team.

How to get a second opinion

Ask your GP or medical oncologist to refer you to someone suitable. Ask to see someone who specialises in breast cancer. Most medical oncologists are happy to give referrals.

Note that sometimes it can take a few weeks to get an appointment with a specialist for a second opinion.

Ask your medical oncologist

Ask your current medical oncologist for a referral for a second opinion. You may feel uncomfortable, but they are probably the best person. They know you and can suggest someone suitable for you.

To help with the conversation:

• be honest about why you’d like a second opinion
• explain the sort of care you want, to help them refer you to the right person
• take a friend or family member with you if you would like some support.

Ask your GP

If you don’t want to ask your medical oncologist, you can ask your GP or the health professional who gave you the original referral instead. Be honest about your needs to help your GP refer you to a medical oncologist more suited to you.

We have a list of questions about choosing a medical oncologist on Your treatment and care team. Some of these may be reasons you ask for a second opinion.

Make the most of your second opinion

It is important to take as much information as you can to the appointment with the new oncologist. This helps the new oncologist review your case properly.

Spend some time gathering your history and treatment records, including:

• pathology, test and scan results
• what treatments you’ve had in the past
• when you started and stopped each treatment
• other relevant medical history. 

If you decide the new oncologist better meets your needs, they can arrange for you to move over to their care.