Importance of Second Opinion for Cancer in India

Cancer has emerged as one of the world's major causes of death. This disease is distinguished by the unregulated and abnormal multiplication of cells in the body. This is a complex condition that requires special treatment for management and cure. And getting a second opinion is crucial in such cases

India has evolved as a global medical tourism destination, with world-class facilities and internationally known oncologists.

An expert panel of oncologists can make a significant difference in the patient's cancer treatment. Getting a cancer second opinion in India might help you get a tailored cancer treatment plan from the top physicians.

Read on to speed up your recovery and cure.

Importance of Second Opinion for Cancer - Key Reasons

The initial diagnosis, you must get a second opinion to ensure you are on the right treatment journey. The following situations especially demand a second opinion for cancer:

1. Confirm your diagnosis  

Unsure about your diagnosis? This is the right time to seek a second opinion as your doctor will clarify any doubts you may have. It is important that you get in touch with another doctor who can review your medical history and reach a conclusion.

This is also when they can validate the initial diagnosis or provide a new diagnosis depending on their findings. This prevents mis-diagnosis and incorrect treatment.

2. Seeking reassurance

A second opinion can provide the necessary reassurance you need during a tough time as this journey. Any speck of doubt you may have, either with your diagnosis or treatment plan, must be cleared immediately.

For example, if you have undergone the first round of chemotherapy but the side effects were too much? This is when you should contact another cancer doctor who can start a better treatment after assessing your condition.

3. Increasing anxiety

The road to full remission is a tough one - especially emotionally and mentally. Not just the patient, but their family and loved ones go through this journey with increased levels of anxiety and stress.

An expert second opinion will help both patient and their loved ones be at ease as the doctor resolves their queries. This is also a great time for your loved ones to get in touch with counselors.

4. Exploring treatment alternatives

If you have undergone the primary treatment, but it is unsatisfactory, exploring the other treatment options only makes sense. This is a good opportunity for you to get expert opinion on treatment options and something that will have the best results for your diagnosis.

For example, if you underwent radiation therapy, but the tumor did not shrink and continued growing, the second opinion would suggest an alternative such as proton beam therapy - especially because re-radiation is not possible.

5. Still haven’t gotten a suitable treatment

This is an issue that leads to delayed treatment which can change the outcomes for a patient. It is important that you get in touch with your doctor to understand the best treatment plan with the least side effects for you.

A second opinion doctor would review your history and understand your requirements to get your cancer into remission.

Dedicated Online Platforms for Getting a Cancer Second Opinion Online

The following are some of the top Indian companies that provide medical second opinions.

Yapita Health

A leader in global and Indian medical tourism, Yapita Health is doing more than connecting patients with experts across the globe. Only one on the list that can provide you second opinion with leading oncologists from across the globe.

They also connect you with an expert panel of oncologists who can review your medical documents and provide a second opinion.

The platform uses the power of AI along with a team of experts who bring you the list of best oncologists from around the world. Especially those that align with your preferences.

You can expect to consult with radiation oncologist, medical oncologist and a surgical oncologist, too. Just visit the link and book your second opinion in easy steps!

You can expect an appointment within 24-48 hours.

iCliniq

A digital platform for expert online guidance in India, they describe themselves as “health decisions platform trusted globally.” The platform brings credible medical information as well as online consultations with experts. From Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, this special platform can help you make informed decisions.

They provide expert treatment options and alternative strategies to navigate your cancer diagnosis. They also provide personalized medical insights.

Expect appointment within: 24-48 hours.

Nayva Care

A platform from Tata memorial centre, Navya care provides second opinion from cancer experts. They also get you in touch with specialist doctors who look into your medical history and validate your diagnosis.

Expect second opinion from AIIMS, Max, Adyar among others. As others, Navya takes advantage of technology to bring ease of consultation for patients.

Expect second opinion within: 24 hours*

(*claimed by company)

TATA 1 mg second opinion

Last one on our list of companies making your life easy is TATA 1 mg. In partnership with Navya, Tata 1 mg provides multidisciplinary second opinion for people “touched by cancer.”

The platform brings you second opinion from leading oncologists in India without the need of travel.

Expect opinion within: 24-72 hours.

And that concludes the list of the best companies helping you get second opinion online with top doctors.

How These Platforms Help Get a Second Opinion

Digital platforms are improving accessibility like it’s nobody’s business! Turns out, some businesses have made it their business to bring that accessibility to patients around the world.

With them, doctors offer a second opinion on your diagnosis, allowing you to make better and more informed decisions.

A surprise diagnosis can lead to anxiety and affect your mental peace. It will also affect your close family and friends. A second opinion facilitating company brings this peace and clarity to you and your family.

They get you in touch with experts who can address your concerns and through their assessment confirm or change your initial diagnosis. This is helpful in two ways - you are on the right road to recovery and you have clarity about things, reducing your anxiety.

For an online second opinion service, you will be asked to submit:

• Medical documents including medical tests conducted,

• Scans undergone,

• Blood test reports and,

• Any other relevant document that will help the specialist doctors in concluding their diagnosis.

Get in Touch Today!

And that concludes our list of the top digital platforms that can get you an expert second opinion within a few days without the need for you to travel. Get expert opinion from the comfort of your home and forget long wait times.

Some other companies that provide a second opinion for cancer include, Oncare, Karkinos, MOCindia Cancer Care and Research Center, Rx Cancer, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.