Why You Need a Second Opinion

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

We’ll obtain your scans and other medical reports, have Roswell Park’s colorectal 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 Need to travel?

A second opinion can be both helpful and reassuring, and it’s the best way to ensure that your initial diagnosis is accurate, that the recommended treatment strategy is right for you, and that the surgical team and other specialists have the training and experience to provide you the best possible outcome.

Why it matters for colon and rectal cancers

Six questions you need to ask your colorectal surgeon

An accurate diagnosis and evaluation by a multispecialty team that focuses on colon and rectal cancer every day is important because:

• You might avoid surgery. We offer non-surgical endoscopic procedures for large, complex polyps or early cancers that allow many patients with these conditions to avoid major surgery. Some patients with rectal cancer may avoid surgery — and have better outcomes — with a treatment approach that uses chemotherapy and radiation first. Many patients achieve a complete clinical response with this therapy, where the tumor completely disappears, and we can offer patients “watch and wait” surveillance, without the need for surgery.
• You may have robotic surgery instead of traditional approaches. Nearly 70% of colorectal surgeries at Roswell Park, the highest in the region, are performed with robotics, which result in less pain, speedier recovery and shorter hospital stay.
• Your cancer might be related to an inherited genetic syndrome. These colorectal cancers require specialized genetic workup, expertise and treatment.
• You’re younger than age 50. Colorectal cancer is rising among younger adults, who require unique services integrated into their cancer treatment. Our Young Onset Colorectal Cancer program streamlines these services.
• You may have liver metastases. One in four patients already have metastatic disease to the liver at the time of diagnosis, and among those who don’t, about half will develop them. Our dedicated team for colorectal liver metastases offers several options that could potentially cure the disease.
• You may need treatments unavailable from other providers. Clinical trials offer access to the very latest therapeutic options, sometimes years before they become widely available.

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 or surgery 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.