Should You See a Breast Cancer Specialist?
Should You See a Breast Cancer Specialist? from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.
As breast cancer treatment options continue to expand, it’s important to partner with a physician who is up to date on the latest developments. Dr. Lisa Flaum explains why patients should consider seeking a specialist and obtaining a second opinion.
Dr. Lisa Flaum is a Medical Oncologist at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Learn more here.
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Transcript:
Dr. Flaum:
So, in terms of who you should see as a medical oncologist and whether you need a breast cancer-specific specialist. I do think it’s a good idea for the majority of patients do at least have an opinion with someone who specializes in breast cancer. Increasingly, cancer diagnoses of all kinds, and breast cancer specifically is becoming more complex. There’s a lot of variables that guide treatment, and it’s important to have someone on board who’s up to date on the latest knowledge treatments, clinical trials if indicated.
Sometimes it makes sense to see a breast cancer specialist, but potentially get your care with whoever is more easily accessible in terms of an oncologist closer to home, if that makes sense. But to at least start with an opinion by someone, from someone who specializes in breast cancer.
I think the patients should seek a second opinion when they think it’s appropriate. And it’s often appropriate; even if it’s just for peace of mind to know that what you’re hearing from your initial visit is, if there’s agreement amongst specialists. Most doctors, I can speak for myself personally, do not get their feelings hurt when someone asks for a second opinion and often I encourage it. I think it’s helpful from a patient peace of mind standpoint, and it’s even appropriate to ask your doctor if I’m going to seek a second opinion, is there somewhere you would recommend that I go. I think it’s appropriate if you have a doctor in a community practice and they may have a referral system of who they would refer to.
And even then from an academic standpoint, if someone asks me where they could or would go for an opinion, I would recommend colleagues at other institutions who I think would be appropriate. So, I think you have to advocate for yourself. You have to do what’s best for you. And number one, I don’t think feelings will get hurt. And number two, I don’t think that’s the reason to not get the care that is appropriate.
