DNA Genotek's Blog - The Genetic Link

25,000 DNA saliva samples for Spit for the Cure (and counting)

Written by Shauna White | Oct 26, 2012 2:18:00 PM

If you’ve followed DNA Genotek for a few years or if you have ever been to one of our seminar presentations, you’ve probably heard about our involvement in the annual Spit for the Cure event. We’re proud to have been associated with this great initiative for over 5 years and even more proud of its success. Spit for the Cure is a collaborative effort between DNA Genotek, the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and University of Arkansas breast cancer researchers Dr. Susan Kadlubar and Dr. Suzanne Klimberg. At Spit for the Cure, our Oragene product is used to collect DNA samples on site at the annual Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure® in Little Rock, AR. The Komen Race for the Cure in Arkansas is one of the largest in the United States, with approximately 50,000 participants dedicated to raising funds for Breast Cancer research. The event is one of numerous recruitment activities over the past 5 years to collect many thousands of DNA samples to establish a biobank of samples from breast cancer survivors or their family members who are committed to finding a cure for breast cancer.

The investigators are pleased with how Oragene is helping them achieve their collection goals. In support of the initiative, DNA Genotek offered recruitment support to collect samples at the events leading up to race day. The venues included team registration prior to the Komen Race for the Cure, the pre-race dinner, and of course, during the event itself. It was exciting for those who participated to witness firsthand how our Oragene kits play a role in advancing breast cancer research.

So after 5 years, how is the project progressing? Four DNA Genotek employees just returned from this year’s Spit for the Cure. The samples they collected this year bring the total to over 25,000 samples for this important breast cancer research project. Congratulations to all involved. DNA Genotek is privileged to have participated in the Spit for the Cure events in Arkansas. We are proud that Oragene has been used successfully to rapidly collect so many samples that will enable breast cancer research and hopefully lead to a cure. We look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Kadlubar and her dedicated team.

Interested in a DNA collection event to support your research project? You can request sample Oragene kits to try below.