Information Deficits and Second Opinion Seeking - A Survey on Cancer Patients

Objective: To learn more about cancer patients' motivation for seeking a second opinion. Methods: Participants filled in a standardized questionnaire. Results: Among 106 patients, 34% had looked for a second opinion, 81% wanted to check the accuracy of their treatment, and 49% needed to better understand the diagnosis. Low understanding of information was associated with looking for a second opinion, and 79% felt assured after a second opinion. Conclusions: Seeking a second opinion may help cancer patients in coping with the disease. As data on benefits aremissing, other strategies, such as qualified first opinion and a sound physician-patient communication, may be advisable.