Environmental Changes Can Influence Cancer Growth

Enriched environments prolonged the lifespan of mice with colon cancer. In a recent study led by Angus-Hill at the University of Utah, male and female mice with tumors in their colons, were exposed to environments that stimulated mental, social and physical activity. Interestingly, the enriched environment affected the male and female mice differently. The tumors in female mice shrunk and positive changes in wound repair were seen in male mice. The results provide evidence for the effects of environmental enrichment on animals, and has sparked research into whether this is also true for humans.