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Cancer diagnosis? Advice for dealing with what comes next

Is it a good idea to seek a second opinion after a cancer diagnosis?

It's always reasonable to seek a second opinion from an oncologist.

You may wish to see someone at a center that specializes in cancer care. In the United States, this might be one of the National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers around the country. Typically these centers are part of a university or large medical center.

While second opinions are reasonable, don't waste time by going to six or seven different cancer centers to see several doctors who may all tell you the same thing. If the two opinions are similar, it's likely that all other cancer specialists will tell you the same thing.