It can also reinforce that the general advice given by your first doctor was accurate, although it is important to recognise that many doctors think differently on details on treatment. Should you wish to get a second opinion, you could ask either your general practitioner or the specialist of first contact to refer you to somebody else. It is wise to go through doctors who know of your condition and all your investigations so far, as that will save a lot of time and unnecessary testing. You will need a referral to be able to claim the cost of the consultation from Medicare. Clinical trials You may be asked if you would take part in a clinical trial.
Clinical trials are an essential means of finding better treatments for breast cancer.
The three major advances that have been made in breast cancer have each been shown to be useful only because they were first tested in carefully conducted clinical trials. In Australia, clinical trials are conducted on a large scale through national and international collaboration. Those trials examine the prevention of breast cancer and the treatment of different types of breast cancer. Other trials in various hospitals are directed at answering more specific questions. They are carried out by doctors who are likely to be well informed about the latest aspects of breast cancer treatment.