Treatment
Getting a second opinion at a major cancer center
Applies to: All cancers
A cancer diagnosis is the single best reason to get a second opinion. Major centers see rare cases your local oncologist may not, and good doctors expect you to ask.
Full guide
The bottom line
A cancer diagnosis is the single best reason to get a second opinion, and you are entitled to one. Major cancer centers see rare cases and cutting-edge options your local oncologist may not. Getting a second opinion does not insult your doctor — it’s standard practice, and good doctors expect it. Many now offer remote second opinions where you upload records and never travel.
Why it matters more with cancer
Cancer treatment changes fast, and the right approach can differ between a community oncologist and a specialist who treats only your cancer type all day. Second opinions at major centers have been shown to change the diagnosis or treatment plan in a meaningful share of cases — sometimes catching a better option, sometimes confirming you’re already on the right path (which is its own kind of relief).
How to do it without the awkwardness
You don’t need to tell your current oncologist you’re getting a second opinion, though most won’t mind. Request your records under HIPAA (they must release within 30 days): get the actual pathology slides and imaging discs, not just the reports — major centers re-read the slides themselves, and pathology re-reads sometimes change the diagnosis.
Then contact a major center’s second-opinion program. Many offer remote/online reviews. You upload records, a specialist reviews, you get a written opinion or video consult without traveling.
The insurance angle
Most insurance covers second opinions, and some plans require them before major cancer surgery. Call and ask about "second opinion coverage" and whether the center you want is in-network. Even out-of-network, many plans cover cancer second opinions given the stakes.
Where to go
- NCI-Designated Cancer Centers: cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers/find. The gold standard, 70+ centers nationwide.
- MD Anderson (Houston): mdanderson.org — remote and in-person second opinions.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering (NYC): mskcc.org.
- Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic.org — online second opinions.
- Dana-Farber (Boston): dana-farber.org.
- City of Hope, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins — all offer second-opinion programs.
