How Second Opinions Improve Cancer Outcomes

February 4th is the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) World Cancer Day. Millions of people worldwide get cancer every year, and cases are on the rise. That said, we know more about cancer today than we did a decade ago, resulting in more favorable health outcomes. Many factors contribute to this, including whether or not your diagnosis is accurate and if your treatment plan is the most appropriate one for you.

So, if you or a family member is diagnosed with cancer, a medical second opinion can give you the clear answers you need to make informed choices.

Are you saying I shouldn’t trust my doctor?

A medical second opinion is not about second-guessing your doctor. The opposite is true. Most doctors agree that a second opinion adds value and demonstrates good medical practice. A second opinion considers all possible treatment plans based on the latest clinical evidence.

A recent case study

One of our members, an otherwise healthy woman in her 40s, is diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. She undergoes surgery to remove the tumor and the surrounding breast tissue. Her treating team recommends after-surgery chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

Frightened and given a poor prognosis (the likely outcome or chance of recovery), she reaches out to MediGuide, our medical second opinion partners, to confirm if her treatment plan is correct. Thankfully the process is simple. She speaks to a case nurse who conducts a clinical intake over the phone, signs a medical consent form, and MediGuide does the rest.

An expert oncologist, head of the breast cancer unit at the IOB institute of Oncology in Spain, receives the medical data MediGuide sent on the member’s behalf. Specialists review the case. While agreeing with the diagnosis, they recommend a change in the treatment plan.

In the second opinion report, the oncologist changes the chemotherapy agent to one that is clinically proven to dramatically increase overall survival rates in patients with a similar type of cancer. She also decreases the number of doses required. The outcome is less chemotherapy with a better chance for survival. Our member is incredibly grateful for the experience.

What should I do next?

Get in touch with your insurance provider today. Our medical second opinion service is available FREE as part of your insurance plan if your insurance provider is a MediGuide partner. All it takes is a phone call to get started.

For more information contact us.

World Cancer Day serves to mobilize people globally, raising awareness for prevention, early detection, and treatment.