In an era of remarkable cancer advances, getting a second opinion can help guide choices and provide valuable reassurance | Ranjana Srivastava

A second opinion can play an important role in guiding choices, shaping the future, and importantly, sparing time toxicity.

Doctors typically regard a second opinion as the assessment of a diagnosis or treatment plan proposed by a fellow specialist.

Evidence of the clinical value of second opinions in cancer is limited.

Most oncologists are humbled by how little they know about the unfolding universe of cancer.

It is inadvisable to keep seeking advice without making a decision, but doctor-shopping is not the same as seeking to be fully informed.

Sometimes, the best treatment may lie behind a comprehensive second opinion.