Costa Exchange mushroom farm staff members Rita Ball and Henny Cross, whose daughter is a breast cancer survivor. Picture: Robin Kornet www.communitypix.com.au Buy this photo
IN 2012 it is estimated that 14,610 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Which is why Casuarina’s Costa Exchange mushroom farm is “going pink” in October to raise awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Ribbon Day on October 22.
Along with other members of the Mushroom Growers Association, Costa Exchange has donated $50,000 to the Cancer Council and will package its product in hot pink boxes at supermarkets across the State.
But what do mushrooms have to do with breast cancer?
According to dietician Glenn Cardwell, there are three population studies showing that women who eat one mushroom a day can halve their risk of breast cancer.
For Henny Cross, of Parmelia, who has worked for the company for more than 25 years, it’s a cause close to her heart.
“My daughter had breast cancer two years ago,” she said.
“It was very frightening. She is a nurse so that helped a lot, she was lucky to be diagnosed at a stage where it could be removed and she didn’t require chemotherapy.”
Her daughter was so moved by the experience that she had a pink ribbon tattooed onto her wrist. Visit www.pinkribbonday.com.au for more information on how to support the work of the Cancer Council.
