title: Information Deficits and Second Opinion Seeking - A Survey on Cancer Patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To learn more about cancer patients' motivation for seeking a second opinion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants filled in a standardized questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 106 patients, 34% had looked for a second opinion, 81% wanted to check the accuracy of their treatment, and 49% needed to better understand the diagnosis. Low understanding of information was associated with looking for a second opinion, and 79% felt assured after a second opinion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seeking a second opinion may help cancer patients in coping with the disease. As data on benefits are missing, other strategies, such as qualified first opinion and a sound physician-patient communication, may be advisable.
authors.affiliation: a Working Group Integrative Oncology , Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J. W. Goethe University , Frankfurt , Germany.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fuchs
authors.affiliation: a Working Group Integrative Oncology , Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J. W. Goethe University , Frankfurt , Germany.
authors.forename: Hani
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hanaya
authors.affiliation: a Working Group Integrative Oncology , Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J. W. Goethe University , Frankfurt , Germany.
authors.forename: Eckart
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Seilacher
authors.affiliation: a Working Group Integrative Oncology , Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J. W. Goethe University , Frankfurt , Germany.
authors.forename: Marie-Jolin
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Koester
authors.affiliation: a Working Group Integrative Oncology , Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J. W. Goethe University , Frankfurt , Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Keinki
authors.affiliation: a Working Group Integrative Oncology , Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J. W. Goethe University , Frankfurt , Germany.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Liebl
authors.affiliation: a Working Group Integrative Oncology , Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J. W. Goethe University , Frankfurt , Germany.
authors.forename: Jutta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huebner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cancer; Counseling; Information; Patients' needs; Second opinion