Second opinion in the states

Sheff:  I can almost guarantee** that if you live in the Toronto area, and were to go to DF in Boston or SK in New York, your oncologist would ask you why on earth you didn't choose PMH!  It is widely considered (and has been for a long time) in the top 5 of North American cancer treatment and research centres.  And Sunnybrook is quickly ascending to that level as well (if not already there!).

** I have anectdotal evidence -- not just saying it!!

But as Elizabeth says, if you have a rare condition or are looking for specific clinical trials, it's wise to look around and see what's available.  PMH and Sunnybrook certainly participate in international clinical trials, so it's unlikely you would have to go out-of-country.

Good luck to you!

Hi Sheff

When I did my treatment in 2004 I did get a 2nd opinion in the states and as a result of that opinion it did in fact change my treatment protocol here in Ontario. With regard to MD Anderson, unless things have changed(and they may well have) back then they would not give 2nd opinions unless you were prepared to have your treatment completed there. Sloan Kettering, Dana Farber, John's Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic are all places you could consider and all have programs for Canadians and International visitors. If you do have a particular type of BC, most have oncologists who specialize in the various subtypes so you may wish to ask about that as well. Finally many of the larger U.S centers also have programs set up for remote 2nd opinions so that for a much more reasonable cost you can send your records to the onc. along with your suggested treatment protocol to get a 2nd opinion. Princess Margaret is also a good place for a 2nd opinion if you can in fact get in in a reasonable time period . A friend who had consulted recently in Hamilton had her gp contact PM to get a 2nd and because she was already in the Hamilton/Niagara network she was told it would take 6-8 weeks for an onc app't. Rather than wait (which would have delayed the commencement of her chemo) she went to Johns Hopkins for an opinion. Her treatment protocol for chemo is the same but they made a definite different suggestion with regard to her rads to follow her chemo(boost in addition to regular rads). She feels alot better having had the 2nd opinion even though much didnt change.