Clarity. Compassion. Choice. Since 1969.

"When you are diagnosed with a serious illness you always wonder if you’re getting the right diagnosis, the right treatment. To get a second opinion is invaluable."
– Andrea Cross, patient

"They're very compassionate, they listened and they let you tell your story."
– Bernadette McDonald, patient

"I encourage everyone to seek a second opinion - I walked away feeling much better about a very tough decision I had to make."
– Kara Penwell, patient

"thesecondopinion is responsible, reliable and respectful of patients' wishes. The patient is at the center of what we are doing."
– David Lakes, volunteer

The value that we provide to cancer patients is the opportunity to have 4-7 independent, board certified cancer specialists carefully review their medical records, images and pathology, and communicate directly as a committee with the patient and family. Through this dialogue, the physicians are able to answer questions directed by the patient, confirm the diagnosis and provide a detailed explanation of the extent of the disease and treatment options. With this approach we are able to provide patients the information necessary to manage their disease, improve their well-being, and to face potentially difficult choices.

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For Doctors

For Patients

Thesecondopinion provides free comprehensive second opinions to adults in California diagnosed with cancer, using a panel format. Our purpose is to give cancer patients, with limited medical resources, and their family members the clarity they need to make decisions about treatment.

Learn how Kara found clarity and choice at thesecondopinion.

"Because of thesecondopinion, I was able to finally make a very big decision regarding my next level of treatment." Kara, breast cancer patient
For Doctors

For Doctors

Volunteer physicians come from medical practices and facilities throughout the Bay Area. Requests for our service are increasing and we are actively recruiting physicians to volunteer with us. We strongly encourage applications from pathologists, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons with oncology sub-specialties.

Dr. David Lakes encourages physicians to volunteer.

Dr. David Lakes "We are providing a very important service to people who want a second opinion, but cannot afford it."
For Supporters

For Supporters

Your gift will provide someone diagnosed with cancer the gift of clarity, compassion and choice. We do not receive government support, bill insurance companies, or charge for our service. 100% of our funding comes from foundations, corporations and compassionate individuals that believe everyone should have access to a second opinion.

Donors Bernadette and Andrea found compassion at thesecondopinion.

Bernadette and Andrea "Donating to thesecondopinion will make a big impact on the cancer community, by helping others like me who need clarity and peace of mind."
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