Ermelinda Bonaccio, MD

Why You Need a Second Opinion

If you have a diagnosis or a suspicion of breast cancer, you need a second opinion. We will ensure you get it without delay.

We’ll obtain your imaging scans, biopsy and other tests, have Roswell Park’s breast cancer experts review them promptly and set up a consultation with our team.

Many of our patients travel to receive cancer care at Roswell Park. If you live far from Roswell Park, we can help arrange what works best for you, including virtual consultations or receiving some of your care closer to home. Call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or click the button below to submit a request online.

Make an appointment

Why it matters for breast cancer

Jennifer Makin, breast cancer patient, poses on the Patient Terrace

After her concerns were ignored, getting a second opinion at Roswell Park saved Jennifer Makin's life.

Breast cancer is not just one disease, but has many subtypes that require specific diagnostic expertise and experience with the latest nuanced treatment approaches. An accurate diagnosis and evaluation by a multispecialty team that focuses on all breast cancer types every day is important because you may:

  • Benefit from less aggressive treatment. Many women with early-stage breast cancer do not need chemotherapy. In other cases, using newer, innovative breast cancer drugs before surgery can shrink tumors enough so that a woman may be able to have a less radical operation, a lumpectomy rather than mastectomy.
  • Opt for nerve-sparing surgery. This advanced surgery protects and repairs the nerves leading to the chest area and preserves sensation to the breast, nipple and areola.
  • Need treatments unavailable from other providers. Clinical trials offer access to the very latest options, drugs, treatment vaccines and other approaches, sometimes years before they become widely available.
  • Wish to consider breast reconstruction surgery. Our plastic & reconstructive surgeons will work with your treatment team to determine your best options and sequence of treatments.

Yes, you have time for a second opinion

We understand the urgency of a cancer diagnosis and your desire to move quickly. However, very few diagnoses require that treatment occur immediately. The fastest treatment is not always the best treatment, and you owe it to yourself to take time now to ensure your treatment plan is the right one for you. We can help.

To arrange for a second opinion, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or fill out the online form below. We’ll take care of the rest.

Get a second opinion