Getting a second opinion
Your treatment and care will have been discussed with specialists who have expert knowledge and experience of treating people with bowel cancer.
Some patients may want to ask for a second opinion about their treatment. This might be:
- to confirm the diagnosis
- to check all treatment options have been explored
- because they’re not happy with the recommended treatment
- because they don’t feel that they can talk to their current doctor about their treatment
If you want a second opinion you can ask your consultant to refer you to another specialist. This may be another doctor at the same hospital or at a different hospital. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your consultant, you can speak to someone else in their team, or your GP.
It is important to remember that a second opinion doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be offered a different treatment or that you will change to a different team or hospital. It could also mean the start of your treatment is delayed.
If you have any concerns about your treatment or care, you can get help and advice from the following organisations:
- In England you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
- In Scotland you can contact the Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS)
- In Wales you can contact the Patient Advisory Liaison Service (PALS)
- In Northern Ireland you can contact the Patient and Client Council (PCC)
More information
Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK offer further information to help you if you’re looking for a second opinion.
Updated June 2025
Next review June 2028
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