Thesecondopinion Celebrates 45 Years of Serving the Cancer Community
San Francisco, Calif. (PRWEB) February 04, 2015 -- Thesecondopinion, a nonprofit offering free multidisciplinary second opinions to adults with new or recurrent cancers, today announces the kick-off of its 45th anniversary celebration. Since 1969, the organization has served more than 5,000 patients throughout California. As part of the celebration, thesecondopinion is launching a year-long fundraising campaign that will help broaden its reach to rural and low-income communities, and expand the physician volunteer base to accommodate strong demand for its services.
“We are proud of the impact our team of volunteer physicians has had on the cancer community for the past 45 years, and thankful to our donors for their generous support,” said Cheri Livingston, managing director of thesecondopinion. “Looking forward, we will continue to grow our organization by broadening our services to the hundreds of cancer patients who live in low-income communities and are in need of a second opinion, but cannot afford or access one. We will also increase volunteer engagement, thanks to new technologies that allow remote access.”
Why cancer patients seek a second opinion
• To confirm a diagnosis.
• To obtain clarity about the details of the cancer, its stage, prognosis, and options for treatment.
• To understand why a particular course of action may be preferred.
• To explore and review various treatment options, their benefits and toxicities. On many occasions, minor or major changes are made in the diagnosis or treatment based on thesecondopinion panel's suggestions.
• To learn about new or existing clinical trials.
• To obtain peace of mind about pursuing the best possible treatment.
How thesecondopinion works
Thesecondopinion is available to any adult in California, regardless of income. A call from a patient or family member is all it takes to get the process started – a referral from a physician is not required. A multidisciplinary panel of board-certified physicians reviews medical records prior to an in-person meeting with the patient and family members. The panelists answer questions directed by the patient and provide unbiased recommendations for treatment, symptom management, support services, or further testing, if needed. Patients leave feeling empowered to move forward, confident they are pursuing the best possible course of action.
About thesecondopinion
Thesecondopinion is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving the California cancer community since 1969. The organization was founded by surgeon William Lester Rogers, MD, and a group of pioneering Bay Area physicians who recognized the need for multidisciplinary cancer consultations. Since its inception, thesecondopinion has provided free consultations to more than 5,000 adults in California diagnosed with new or recurring cancers. The diverse experiences in cancer diagnosis and treatment of our board-certified physicians, allow us to provide an unbiased and patient-centered service not duplicated by any other agency in California. Find out more at http://www.thesecondopinion.org, connect with us on facebook.com/thesecondopinion501c3, @SecndOpinion.
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Birgit Johnston, Johnston Communication, +1 (408) 656-8025, [email protected]
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