About our biobank
The Breast Cancer Now Biobank gives scientists access to the tissue, cells, and blood samples they need to perform world-class research.
By collecting samples from people affected by breast cancer and making them available to researchers, our biobank accelerates progress toward faster diagnosis and better treatments.
When we asked leading scientists about the greatest challenges faced in breast cancer research, they told us that a lack of access to high-quality tissue to study the disease was a major problem. Determined to solve this, we opened the Breast Cancer Now Biobank in 2012.
Now, the biobank allows scientists worldwide to study breast tissue samples, breast cells and blood from patients to understand how breast cancer acts, grows and spreads.
Key facts
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UK's largest unique collection
Our biobank has the UK’s largest unique collection of quality breast tissue, breast cells and blood samples from breast cancer patients. -
Over 129,000 samples
To date, our biobank has collected over 129,000 samples and has already allocated over 12,000 samples to research projects. -
We have 4 dedicated centres
We have 4 centres licensed by the Human Tissue Authority. Our centres are based in London, Aberdeen, Sheffield and Wales.
We take tissues and we add value to these tissues so that they can be used in a variety of different projects. And of course, we hope that these tissues and cells are going to help unlock some of the secrets behind breast cancer so that we can have improved outcomes people in the future.
Professor Valerie Speirs
Co-principal investigator of the Breast Cancer Now Biobank
Impact of the biobank
Since it was established over 10 years ago, our biobank has allocated over 12,000 samples to research projects. And we’re already seeing the impact.
Understanding cancer development
Scientists used biobank samples to uncover how obesity impacts the development of breast cancer.
Boob in a tube
Researchers created a breast duct-like structure using healthy biobank cells to study DCIS.
Protein that helps spread
Biobank samples helped research which found a protein that may help breast cancer spread.
Studying male breast cancer
Researchers found genetic differences between breast cancer cells in men and women.
FAQs
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How does the biobank work?
We have 4 dedicated Biobank Centres, licensed by the Human Tissue Authority, who routinely collect, process and store samples from people with breast cancer and those without the disease. Our Biobank Centres are based in London, Aberdeen, Sheffield and Wales.
Scientists from across the globe can apply to access samples from the Breast Cancer Now Biobank for their research. Each sample is linked to anonymised data specifying tumour type and grade, any treatment the patient received, and in some cases, the course of the disease.
All applications are assessed by our Access Committee. It helps to ensure that every sample contributes to research which will advance our knowledge of the disease.
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What is the Access Committee?
Our Access Committee reviews each application for samples to ensure that the samples are used for good-quality research. For each application Breast Cancer Now and the Access Committee will ask the following questions:
- Does the research have the potential to benefit breast cancer patients? Are there any significant risks to releasing the samples?
- Has the project for which samples will be used been peer-reviewed by an AMRC-registered charity or equivalent?
- Is ethical cover in place for the work?
- Will the application significantly deplete the biobank's sample stock?
There’s also the Biobank Advisory Council, which advises on the scientific strategy of the Breast Cancer Now Biobank and its implementation. The council comprises of patients, leading scientists, researchers, and bioinformaticians from the breast cancer and biobanking fields worldwide.
The Chair of the Biobank Advisory Council is Dr Will Brackenbury from the University of York.
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How can I donate my breast tissue?
Donating tissue and blood to the biobank is voluntary. If you are having surgery in one of our Biobank Centres (in London, Aberdeen, Norwich or Sheffield), a nurse or patient volunteer may ask if you are willing to donate any tissue. They will be able to answer any questions you may have about the process.
We are extremely grateful to everyone who gives their permission for us to keep a small amount of their tissue, which is not needed to help plan their treatment and care.
Giving consent to donating your tissue (or withholding it) will not affect your care or treatment in any way, and your details will remain strictly confidential.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept donations of tissue to the biobank if you are not being treated at a Biobank Centre. But if you are interested in participating in research, please speak to your nurse or doctor as there may be other studies that you are able to participate in.
We still need your support
The Breast Cancer Now Biobank is generously supported by funding from Asda Tickled Pink and the Garfield Weston Foundation. We would also like to acknowledge the past support of Walk the Walk, a founding partner of the biobank alongside Asda Tickled Pink.
But we still need further support and donations to keep investing in projects like the biobank – please donate now.
More about our research
Information for researchers
Are you a researcher interested in working with the Breast Cancer Now Biobank?