Shiuan Chen, Ph.D., director of the Division of Tumor Cell Biology, is accustomed to speaking about his work, but one of his recent presentations had an unusual flavor. Chen appeared at the 25th annual Mushroom Festival in Pennsylvania on Sept. 11 and 12.

Hosted in Kennett Square, known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” the festival celebrates the flavorful fungus. Supported annually by the Mushroom Council, the festival also educates people about cooking with mushrooms and provides information about their health benefits. Chen spoke to attendees about his research on mushrooms. His lab is studying whether substances in mushrooms can reduce breast and prostate cancer risk.

In addition to providing grant funding for Chen’s work, the Mushroom Council has participated in a consumer promotion supporting breast cancer research, treatment and education at City of Hope since 2009. This fall, participating mushroom growers will once again package their mushrooms in pink containers, which will be available at select retailers nationwide.