How do I find the right oncologist for a second opinion?

You can start by checking the credentials of other doctors at the same hospital or facility. But it's often a good idea to consult another facility altogether, such as a major cancer center. If the expert you choose is far away, your oncologist may be able to work with him or her via telephone or e-mail consultations. While this sounds awkward, it can deliver a big payoff. A specialist may know of a promising treatment that a local oncologist who hasn't seen many such cases doesn't know about. And if it's a treatment that's only available in a particular location, it may well be worth traveling for. Bringing in a specialist might also help you or the person in your care gain access to a clinical trial if that's a viable option.