Biospecimens are materials taken from the human body, such as tissue, blood, plasma, and saliva that can be used for cancer diagnosis and analysis. These specimens are usually obtained during a biopsy, surgery or other procedure and a small amount of the specimen can be stored and used for later research. These specimens can be used to analyse cells, DNA, RNA, proteins, and other molecules important for understanding cancer. A Biobank is a depository where these biospecimens are stored and made available for scientists to study for research purposes. These biospecimens are commonly accompanied by information about the medical history of the patient from whom the biospecimen was taken. It is essential that both the biobank and the patient details are kept secure and confidential. Biospecimens contain a vast amount of biological information within cells, genes and proteins With the resource of a high quality biobank, biospecimens can be used for research aimed at advancing our understanding of cancer and identifying novel ways to treat the disease. Patients’ attitudes and willingness towards biospecimen donation an biobanking thus influence the ability of doctors and scientists to collect and retain these valuable specimens for cancer research. Our study aims to gain an understanding of the attitudes and extent of participation of our patients in biospecimen donation. This knowledge will allow us to develop the most appropriate consent processes and ensure that patient concerns or barriers which may prevent patients from donating specimens are addressed to optimize biospecimen collection for cancer research.
