Should Gastric Cancer Patients Consider a Second Opinion?
Should Gastric Cancer Patients Consider a Second Opinion? from Patient Empowerment Network on Vimeo.
What should gastric cancer patients seek a second opinion? Expert Dr. Matthew Strickland explains potential benefits of a second opinion when facing a gastric cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Matthew Strickland is a medical oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn more about Dr. Strickland.
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Transcript:
Katherine Banwell:
Dr. Strickland, why is it beneficial for patients to seek a second opinion at a comprehensive cancer center?
Dr. Matthew Strickland:
I’m very glad you asked this question, because there is often a disconnect that I’ve noticed. As providers, we really love second opinions or beyond. Third opinions, you name it. The disconnect that I’m talking about is often patients are a little bit shy or perhaps sheepish in telling me or asking should I get a second opinion. From the provider perspective, treating cancer is a tough business. New data is coming out all the time.
You never know what center might have a clinical trial option that perhaps your center might not have. I would say that 99 percent of the time everyone is on the same team and looking to find the best treatment option for the patient. Again, I really can’t even think of a negative interaction I’ve had with fellow providers at different institutions. I really believe that this is a community that wants the best for the patient. So, I highly encourage at all times a second opinion or beyond.
