I was diagnosed and treated for cancer over three years ago. The short answer to his question is "yes, it's very likely that ALL those tests mentioned are needed."
A longer answer (and I'm surprised that it didn't occur to Stossel before he asked the question), is that communication between doctors and patients is a two-way street. Doctors and nurses may have information to share, but if the patient does not ask the question, the doctor may omit the answer. This is not out of respect, not that they are trying to mislead, or run up a bill. There's a lot going on. If you, as a patient, have a question about your tests, or about your tests results...ask your doctor.
If you, as a patient, are feeling anxious or nervous about hearing a diagnosis or results from a test, take a friend. Take a spouse. Take someone not as emotionally-tied as you that can be your advocate...someone that can write down notes, or be more impartial.
If your doctor doesn't give you or your advocate a satisfactory answer, that's a different story.
Good idea about having someone with you. If you aren’t thinking straight because of the stress, maybe a friend or relative will have the presence of mind to speak up and ask questions. Also, even if you are calm cool and collected, one can’t think of everything. It’s definitely and imperfect system...anything with humans involved will always be so.
I was treated for breast cancer about 6 yrs ago at our local cancer center. Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center.
I wanted people that cancer was all they did......not some hospital.
I had my lumpectomy in a hospital but chose the surgeon and the hospital myself. Once I was done with the surgery all my visits were to the same doctor at the cancer center....for 5 years. They are affiliated with UCLA and I was part of a study. Couldn’t have asked for better care.