Environments for Cancer Patients (07-09-10)

A recent series of experiments in mice indicates that the calming environments created for cancer patients may need some livening up.  Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute found that “Living in an environment rich with physical, mental, and social stimulation – a setting that causes mild stress – might by itself curb cancer growth.” Dr. Matthew J. During, professor of neuroscience; neurological surgery; and molecular virology, immunology and medical genetics stated "The anti-cancer effect we observed in this study was not due simply to increased activity by the animals, but rather it was induced by social and physical challenges that are associated with the release of stress hormones from the adrenal gland.”

“Stress of an Enriched Environment Might Curb Cancer Growth.” 2010.  Press release, The Ohio State University, http://www.osu.edu