The Reality of Breast Injuries in Sport - Common. Underreported. Preventable.

Medical Experts Agree

Dr. Chantal Thornton

Breast Cancer Surgeon MBBS (Hons), BMSc (Hons), FRACS, GAICD, Epworth Hospital, Melbourne

“Trauma to the breast should be avoided with adequate protection. Injury can lead to fat necrosis, long-term pain and complications in future screening.”

Medical experts agree and global research confirms, it's time for breast protection to be taken seriously in all female sports.

THE REALITY

The Stats You Can’t Ignore

Up to 1 in 2

Female contact sport athletes experience breast injuries

1 in 4

Community AFL players report a history of breast injury

80%

Of breast injuries result in pain

Less than 10%

Are ever reported

Long Term Impacts of Breast Injuries.

Breast injuries don’t always end when the game does.

  • Fat necrosis and scar tissue can mimic breast cancer on scans, leading to stressful follow-up tests.
  • Breast impacts can cause bruising, swelling, haematomas and ongoing pain.
  • Repeated trauma can contribute to tissue changes, asymmetry or deformity.
  • In some cases, damage to milk ducts may affect future breastfeeding.
DOWNLOAD THE RESEARCH
Protection exists. Adoption is the gap.
Breast injuries are common — but protection is still rarely used. When athletes wear the right protection, injury risk can reduce significantly.

Sports bras support. They don’t protect.

Sports bras support movement — they don’t protect against impact. Boob Protect inserts are designed to absorb force, reduce pain and protect long-term breast health.

  • Sports bras compress — Boob Protect inserts absorb impact
  • Encapsulated design supports each breast individually for stability
  • Reduces movement and bounce for better comfort and performance
FIND YOUR SIZE SHOP PROTECTION