In July of 2023, the Susan G. Komen® organization (around the office, we call them “Big Komen”) launched ShareForCures, a groundbreaking breast cancer research registry. What was not publicly shared until the launch was that the Komen Tissue Bank had been asked to handle and process the saliva collection kits coming in from participants around the country.

Our newest team member, Caitlin Sorgenfrei, was hired in July as a biorepository lab technician, and her role particularly focuses on the intake, recording, and storing of the incoming samples. Later in the process, Caitlin will get the samples ready to ship out for DNA sequencing.

Susan G. Komen® realizes that breast cancer is a complex disease, varying from person to person based on biology and lived experience. Yet, our understanding of breast cancer often relies on data from a limited subset of patients. This subset doesn’t always represent the diversity of breast cancer patients across the United States. It’s time for a change!

What is ShareForCures

ShareForCures connects researchers with information from individuals who have or had breast cancer. Here’s how it works:

1. Easy Participation: ShareForCures offers a simple way for people like you to participate in breast cancer research. If you’re 18 years or older (19 and older in Alabama and Nebraska; 21 and older in Mississippi and Pennsylvania), live in the United States, and have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you can join for free.
2. Data Collection: Once you join, ShareForCures securely collects various types of data about your health and breast cancer experience. Over time, this data, combined with information from thousands of others, becomes one of the most valuable resources for breast cancer research.
3. Diverse Insights: The goal of ShareForCures is to provide researchers with a more diverse and representative dataset. By including a broader range of participants, we can improve outcomes for everyone. This diversity is critical for finding more effective care, conquering metastatic and aggressive breast cancers, eliminating disparities, and enhancing health outcomes.

How ShareForCures Works

• Online Participation: ShareForCures has been designed to make participation as easy as possible. You can join online, at your convenience. By sharing medical record information, completing surveys, and answering questionnaires, you contribute valuable insights.
• Saliva Samples: As part of your participation, you may be asked to provide a saliva sample using a pre-paid kit mailed to you. Your contribution helps advance breast cancer research.

Your Impact

Thanks to you and the many ShareForCures participants, we’re learning more about breast cancer every day. As a participant, you’ll:

• Access Clinical Data: You’ll have access to clinical data retrieved from your medical records and other breast health information.
• Stay Informed: Regular updates on research findings will keep you informed about the latest breakthroughs.
• Be Part of a Community: Join a community that’s making a difference—one that’s working towards a future without breast cancer.

Join Today

We invite you to be engaged and share your data for research. Together, we can create a brighter future for breast cancer patients. Join ShareForCures today and become a partner in advancing breast cancer research!

Note: ShareForCures is a powerful initiative that relies on the collective efforts of individuals like you. By participating, you’re contributing to a better understanding of breast cancer and paving the way for improved care.