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

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

The world’s only repository of non-cancerous breast tissue. Join our mission—no diagnosis required. 🔬 The donors to this repository are volunteers.

Based in Indianapolis, we provide the samples researchers need to understand "normal" and cure breast cancer. 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.

04/09/2026

Science can be complex, but the goal is simple: understanding breast health for everyone. Our latest research highlight looks at how our unique backgrounds and tissue types show up under the microscope. We aren't just looking at cells; we're looking for answers. Thank you to the donors who make this "Discovery" possible!

04/08/2026

Before they were processing samples and coordinating events, they were just kids with big futures!

We’re a small team with a big mission to end breast cancer, and it takes every one of these faces to keep the machine running.

Can you guess which team member is in which photo? Match the baby to the pro in the comments! 👇

04/07/2026

It’s April! You know what that means! If your birthday is this month, take a moment to complete your medical follow-up! Contact Alison at alisnide@iu.edu or (317)274-2366 if you need assistance.

04/02/2026

We are excited to share a special event from our friends at Komen and Indy Eleven! On Saturday, April 11, the "Kick for a Cause" match against Monterey Bay FC will celebrate and honor cancer fighters and survivors.

There are some wonderful ways for survivors and those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer to get involved directly on the field:
-Tunnel Club: High-five the players as they head onto the field.
-Flag Bearers: Help hold the Indy Eleven flag at the start of the game.
-Survivor Tailgate: Join the community starting at 5 PM before the 7 PM kickoff.

Spots for the on-field activities are limited, so if you are interested in participating, be sure to sign up as soon as possible using the QR code in the image.

04/01/2026

At the Komen Tissue Bank, our mission is serious, but our office culture is fun! Today we decided to pull a few (harmless) pranks on our teammate to keep the smiles going.

Whether we’re changing the world of research or hiding pictures around the office, we are united by one goal: ending breast cancer for good.

We believe that a joyful team is a strong team. Thank you for being part of our community and supporting the people making research possible!

Which prank was your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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.

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.

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!

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.

Address

550 N University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN
46202

Telephone

+13172742366

Website

http://www.komentissuebank.iu.edu/

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