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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.
Since it was established over 10 years ago, around 11,500 people have donated samples to our Biobank. To date, it has allocated around 72,500 samples, bespoke data and images to research projects. And we’re already seeing the impact. The Breast Cancer Now Biobank has already contributed to over 200 scientific discoveries.
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.
Key facts
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UK's largest unique collection
Our biobank has the UK’s largest unique collection of high quality breast tissue, breast cells and blood samples from breast cancer patients.
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Over 145,000 samples
To date, our biobank has collected over 145,000 samples and has already allocated around 72,500 samples, bespoke data and images to research projects.
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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.
Impact of the biobank
Understanding cancer development
Scientists used biobank samples to uncover how obesity impacts the development of breast cancer.
Using AI to predict risk of spread
Scientists used AI on Biobank samples to predict how likely the disease was to spread.
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.
Boob in a tube
Researchers created a breast duct-like structure using healthy Biobank cells to study DCIS.
More about our research
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Our research unit
The Breast Cancer Now Research Unit at King's College London is entirely focused on studying triple negative breast cancer. Find out more.
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Our research centre
Learn more about the research done at the Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research.
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Individual research projects
We’re here, working with the brightest minds in labs across the UK and Ireland. Find out more.
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.