Should I Get a Second Opinion for My Prostate Cancer Diagnosis?

You just received the C word diagnosis. You are shocked, frightened, and wary. You may be asking yourself, Is that it? Do I simply believe everything I am being told and do what they say? Or should I get a second opinion for my prostate cancer diagnosis?

What’s First and Next?

Any new diagnosis can be scary, and this is especially true when the word cancer is involved. You may be scared and unsure of what to do, which is completely normal. What you should not do first is panic. While the first options you are given can be correct, you do not need to rush into an immediate decision. Reading reliable information about prostate cancer can help understand your options better. Learn about treatment options as well as their pros and cons. Learn about life expectancy, ask about the stage of your cancer, and make a list of all your questions. Your provider will be understanding and want to provide as much information as they can. Again, don’t feel like you have to make instant decisions.

Next, consider getting a second opinion. Once you know what treatments or combination of treatments your own doctor is recommending, you can begin to compare those with another specialist and their care.

Maybe it will be exactly the same, maybe it will be a different treatment, or a different order to the treatments.

Why You Should Consider a Second Opinion

There are many benefits to getting a second opinion for prostate cancer.

In many men prostate cancer is slow growing. A second opinion will provide additional information about treatments and when and if to decide between surgical or non surgical treatments.
Becoming aware of other treatment plans can give you a sense of reassurance you are making the right decision for yourself.
You will become more knowledgeable. If a second opinion confirms what your own doctor has said, you will have peace of mind knowing you are doing the right thing. However, differing opinions can give you more options to consider.
You may find out you can avoid treatments you don’t need or lessen the intensity of treatments you do need. Both of these can contribute to your quality of life. Even as surgeons, we always try to look for alternatives when we can.
You will encounter different specialists who can guide you through your cancer journey. You may meet an experienced urologist like Dr. Edward J. Sanchez. Our affiliation with Texas Oncology allows for consultations with medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to make sure you have a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive approach to your care
Take advantage of your medical rights. Check with your insurance to be sure a second opinion will be covered. Most are. Decisions about your care are yours.

Questions to Ask Dr. Sanchez

Be sure to ask Dr. Sanchez:

To explain your diagnosis and how the diagnosis was made.
What is the standard of care treatment and are there other options? What are their pros and cons, and how do the side effects differ?
Can I continue to reach out to you with more questions?

Having peace of mind about your prostate cancer and your decisions is invaluable.