Getting a second opinion in the UK

The short version

  • You have the right to ask for a second opinion about your diagnosis or treatment, but the NHS doesn’t have to provide one.1
  • Ask your GP or cancer doctor, who can refer you to another specialist and send your results.1
  • A second opinion may delay your treatment, so ask your doctor whether waiting could affect you.1

When people ask for a second opinion

People sometimes want a second opinion when:

  • they’re unsure about the recommended treatment, or there’s more than one option
  • they’d like reassurance before a big decision, such as mastectomy
  • they feel they haven’t had their questions answered

Many people find it helps to talk again with their own team first. You can ask them to go over your diagnosis and explain anything you’re unsure about.1 Your breast care nurse can help too.

How to ask

  1. Talk to your cancer doctor or GP. Say that you’d like a second opinion, and why.1
  2. They arrange a referral to another specialist, and your scans, test results and records are sent to the new doctor.1
  3. You see the second doctor, who gives their view. They usually don’t take over your care unless you agree to transfer.

Things to think about

  • Timing: waiting for a second opinion may delay treatment. Ask whether a delay could cause harm.1
  • The answer may be the same. Many people find that’s reassuring.
  • Private second opinions are possible, but you’ll have to pay, and they still need your records.

If you’re struggling to get a referral

You can get help from a patient advice service:1

  • England: PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) at your hospital
  • Scotland: the Patient Advice and Support Service
  • Wales: Llais, the independent body for people’s views on health and social care (it replaced Community Health Councils in 2023)
  • Northern Ireland: the Patient and Client Council

Related pages

Everyone’s treatment is different, so talk to your cancer team about what is right for you.

References

  1. Macmillan Cancer Support. Getting a second opinion. macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/your-treatment-options/getting-a-second-opinion