Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center

Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center The world's only biobank that collects healthy breast tissue for breast cancer research. The donors to this repository are volunteers.

The KTB is a repository bank of whole blood, DNA, plasma, serum and frozen human breast tissue. What sets the KTB apart from all other tissue and blood repositories is that the vast majority of our donors are without evidence of breast cancer. Each sample is annotated with detailed medical information about the donor. Even though donors will not benefit directly from their donation, they are providing an invaluable resource to enable research to maximize its potential today and in generations to come.

We know getting involved in research can be scary! But if you are Black, it is particularly important that you understan...
03/27/2026

We know getting involved in research can be scary! But if you are Black, it is particularly important that you understand how vital research participation is. The Komen Tissue Bank will collect healthy breast tissue from people with no signs of breast cancer at our tissue collection event April 9th at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center. We would love for you to find out more and to consider participating. You can register to donate here https://go.iu.edu/QHLr8e or sign up to volunteer here https://go.iu.edu/ICv8it. Also, we want to hear from you. Ask us your questions here komentb@iu.edu.

Why your normal tissue is the key to a breakthroughAt the Komen Tissue Bank we believe that to truly understand breast c...
03/25/2026

Why your normal tissue is the key to a breakthrough

At the Komen Tissue Bank we believe that to truly understand breast cancer we first have to understand what normal looks like for everyone.

A study published in Nature Medicine did exactly that. By using tissue donated to the KTB researchers created a Cellular Atlas of the breast. This high definition map identifies 10 distinct cell types and shows how they behave differently based on a person’s genetic ancestry.

Why does this matter? Because breast cancer does not affect everyone the same way. By studying normal tissue from a diverse group of donors scientists can finally see the biological blueprints that might lead to cancer later on. This is the foundation for personalized prevention that works for every woman regardless of her background. 🌸

Have you ever wondered how your donation helps? This is it! Drop a ❤️ in the comments to thank the thousands of donors who made this atlas possible.

Ever heard about donating healthy breast tissue? It’s a thing! And Black women have the highest breast cancer death rate...
03/23/2026

Ever heard about donating healthy breast tissue? It’s a thing! And Black women have the highest breast cancer death rate of all racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. The Komen Tissue Bank (KTB) is the only organization collecting healthy breast tissue so that Black people can directly benefit from the research. But if we don’t participate, we can’t benefit. Consider donating your healthy breast tissue to the KTB at our upcoming collection event April 9th at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center. We need you, especially if you are Black. You can register to donate here https://go.iu.edu/QHLr8e or sign up to volunteer here https://go.iu.edu/ICv8it. Also, we want to hear from you. Ask us your questions here komentb@iu.edu.

03/20/2026

We are hitting the road this Saturday and would love to see you! The Komen Tissue Bank team will be out in the community at two different locations in Indianapolis. Whether you are looking for information or ready to learn more about how to participate, come find us at the International Women’s Gathering Global Village Welcome Center.

We provide the normal tissue samples that researchers need to make critical breakthroughs. Stop by our table to chat with the team, grab some information, and find out how you can help move research forward.

See you Saturday!

Got healthy breast tissue? Donating it could help prevent breast cancer in other Black women like you. Consider donating...
03/18/2026

Got healthy breast tissue? Donating it could help prevent breast cancer in other Black women like you. Consider donating your healthy breast tissue to the Komen Tissue Bank at our upcoming collection event April 9th at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center. We need you, especially if you are Black. You can register to donate here https://go.iu.edu/QHLr8e or sign up to volunteer here https://go.iu.edu/ICv8it. Also, we want to hear from you. Ask us your questions here komentb@iu.edu.

Hey March birthdays! It’s your turn to help us help others by completing your medical follow-up! Contact Alison at alisn...
03/17/2026

Hey March birthdays! It’s your turn to help us help others by completing your medical follow-up! Contact Alison at alisnide@iu.edu or (317)274-2366 if you need assistance.

Morganna has been recognized as one of the IU Indy Top 100 for 2026! 🏆She has been a dedicated intern with the Komen Tis...
03/16/2026

Morganna has been recognized as one of the IU Indy Top 100 for 2026! 🏆

She has been a dedicated intern with the Komen Tissue Bank since 2022. This honor highlights her academic excellence in the School of Science and her leadership within the community. We are lucky to have had her on our team for the last four years.

Please join us in celebrating this great achievement!

03/13/2026

Here's a little behind-the-scenes look from our table at the Indiana Government Center for International Women's Day!

From setting up our table to listening in on the speakers, the energy throughout the day was inspiring. The conversations were powerful, the panels were engaging, and of course... we couldn't resist snapping a few photobooth moments. 📸✨

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, grabbed resources, asked questions, and took a moment to learn about breast cancer research.

Ever heard about donating healthy breast tissue? It’s a thing! And Black women have the highest breast cancer death rate...
03/12/2026

Ever heard about donating healthy breast tissue? It’s a thing! And Black women have the highest breast cancer death rate of all racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. The Komen Tissue Bank (KTB) is the only organization collecting healthy breast tissue so that Black people can directly benefit from the research. But if we don’t participate, we can’t benefit. Consider donating your healthy breast tissue to the KTB at our upcoming collection event April 9th at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center. We need you, especially if you are Black. You can register to donate here https://go.iu.edu/QHLr8e or sign up to volunteer here https://go.iu.edu/ICv8it. Also, we want to hear from you. Ask us your questions here komentb@iu.edu.

03/12/2026
03/11/2026

Behind every breakthrough is a community that cared enough to ask "Why?" 🧬 The Komen Tissue Bank exists because of people like you who believe that understanding the beginning of breast cancer is the key to ending it.

We want to hear from our incredible supporters today! Whether you're a long-time follower or just discovering what we do, your voice helps us reach more people.

In just one word, how would you describe the future of breast cancer research? Drop it in the comments below! 👇

The Komen Tissue Bank is proud to participate in the 7th International Women’s Gathering on March 21st.Our Program Assis...
03/09/2026

The Komen Tissue Bank is proud to participate in the 7th International Women’s Gathering on March 21st.

Our Program Assistant, Alison, and our team of interns will be on-site to engage with attendees and share how KTB’s work impacts women’s health globally. We look forward to an inspiring day alongside esteemed panelists like Dr. Jo Anne Lyon and Tracey Ellis Ward.

Join us for a day of community, culture, and conversation!

Come gather with us March 21st to enjoy our 7th International Women's Gathering.

This year's women's gathering will feature a panel, vendors, art gallery and food from our local community.

Our panelist this year includes:
Dr. Jo Anne Lyon (Founder of World Lyon)
Tracey Ellis Ward (Senior Vice President Pacers Sports & Entertainment)
Bhavana Karuturi (Mrs. Indiana Universe)
Bo Turner (FIND Founder) Rafael Sánchez (Emcee)

Culturally attire is highly encouraged and we look forward to seeing you there!


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Indianapolis, IN
46202

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