Opinion: The science on relieving cancer symptoms is clear. Why isn't insurance paying?

Research demonstrates that integrative therapies effectively reduce cancer-related pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea, yet insurance companies frequently deny coverage for these evidence-based treatments. These complementary approaches, used alongside conventional cancer care, have shown significant clinical benefits in improving quality of life for cancer patients. Despite scientific validation, patients face financial barriers accessing therapies like acupuncture, massage, meditation, and nutritional counseling. This coverage gap raises important questions about insurance policies and patient access to proven symptom management strategies during cancer treatment.