Booklet: What You Need to Know about Breast Cancer

Planning Treatment

Before starting treatment, the patient might want a second opinion about the diagnosis and the treatment plan. Some insurance companies require a second opinion; others may cover a second opinion if the patient requests it. It may take a week or two to arrange to see another doctor. Studies show that a brief delay (up to several weeks) between biopsy and treatment does not make breast cancer treatment less effective. There are a number of ways to find a doctor for a second opinion:

• The patient's doctor may refer her to one or more specialists. Specialists who treat breast cancer include surgeons, medical oncologists, plastic surgeons, and radiation oncologists. Sometimes these doctors work together at cancer centers or special centers for breast diseases.
• The Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER, can tell callers about treatment facilities, including cancer centers and other NCI-supported programs, in their area.
• Patients can get the names of specialists from their local medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school.
• The Official ABMS Directory of Board Certified Medical Specialists lists doctors' names along with their specialty and their background. This resource, produced by the American Board of Medical Specialties, is available in most public libraries.

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