"Although people think of medicine as a science—the facts reveal the diagnosis, the diagnosis dictates the treatment—most physicians acknowledge that medicine is as much an art as a science. It's not like a simple math equation with one undeniably right answer. Even when the diagnosis is clear, there may still be multiple appropriate treatment paths that deliver similar outcomes. And there are many cases where the diagnosis is not definitive, especially in the case of complex diseases and many types of cancer.

That's why a second opinion is an important tool for people who have received a cancer diagnosis. Not only can it help lower the risk of misdiagnosis or an inappropriate plan of treatment, but it's also essential for decision making. A second opinion from a specialist who has extensive experience treating people with the type of cancer you've been diagnosed with can change or confirm your diagnosis."

Miles J. Varn is chief executive officer, PinnacleCare, and can be reached on LinkedIn.

He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, "Why people diagnosed with cancer should get a second opinion." (https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2021/06/why-people-diagnosed-with-cancer-should-get-a-second-opinion.html)

This episode is sponsored by Tradeoffs, available on your favorite podcast platform.