The Facts relating to Breast Injuries and Why Breast Protection is Critical.

Medical Statement on the Importance of Breast Protection

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 to the breast tissue can cause dead fat necrosis which can lead to lumps in the breast. These can be mistaken for breast cancer and can mean that the female will require biopsies to the breast. This can also make it difficult to detect breast cancer in the future if the patient has multiple areas of fat necrosis in the breast.⁣⁣ Fat necrosis on clinical examination and on breast imaging often mimics breast cancer and a biopsy is usually required to exclude cancer. It does not however increase a women’s risk of cancer.⁣ Trauma to the breast can also lead to chronic musculoskeletal and breast pain. Pain in the breast is uncommonly associated with breast cancer. Less than 10% of all breast cancers present with breast pain.

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

The Results from Breast Injury Research are Concerning.

In US College Sports, a 2018 study found almost half of female athletes surveyed (47.9%) reported a breast injury. (1)

Injuries by sport include softball (59.5%), basketball (48.8%), soccer (46.7%) and volleyball (34.6%).

Less than 10% reported it to coaching or medical staff...

...with only 2.1% receiving treatment...

...while 18% reported decreases in participation and performance...

...and 98% reported not wearing any breast protection other than a sports bra.

In Water Polo, a 2022 questionnaire to the US Women's Team players, found half reported sustaining a breast injury. (2)

Of the half sustaining a breast injury, 62.5% suffered at least 6 or more impacts.

None of the US Water Polo players informed medical staff of their breast injury.

In similar studies, in countries from Australia to France and the UK, in women's professional and amateur sports, the issues surrounding breast injuries are the same. (3, 4, 5)

In an Australian survey of athletes playing Australian Rules Football and various codes of Rugby, 58% of players reported sustaining a breast injury.

Half of the Coaches and Medical staff of Australian rules Football and Rugby teams, were not aware that breast injuries were a problem for players.

In a French survey, 28.6% of basketball players missed practice or a game due to their breast injury.

Almost half Australian Rules Football and Rugby players (of various codes) surveyed, reported breast injuries impacting their on-field performance.

In some countries, sporting codes and leagues, including Australia and US Collegiate, breast injury data is not collected because it is not included in standard reporting forms! (2)

1. Smith LJ, Eichelberger TD, Kane EJ (2018) Breast Injuries in Female Collegiate Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball Athletes: Prevalence, Type and Impact on Sports Participation. Eur J Breast Health. 2018 Jan; 14(1): 46–502.
2. Breast Injury in USA Female Water Polo Athletes, Laura J. Smith, PT, DPT, PhD1*, Tamara Eichelberger, PT, MPT, PhD2 and Edward J. Kane, PT, MSPT, ATC, PhD3
3. BrisbineBR, Steele JR, McGhee DE, Phillips E. Breast injuries reported by femalecontact football players based on football code, player position and competition level. SciMed Footb. 2020;4(2):148-155.
4. Smith LJ, Ahern E, Lefebvre C, Kane EJ. Breast Injury In Women’s French Professional Basketball Players. MedSci Sports Exerc.2022;54(9S):164.
5. Smith LJ, Eichelberger T, Kane EJ. Breast Injury in USA Female Water Polo Athletes. Int J Sports Exercise Med. 2022;8:216

Long Term Effects from Breast Injuries.

  • The breast’s extensive superficial capillary network increases the risk of bruises and blood clots on impact.
  • Fat necrosis following deep breast bruising forms lumps that can mimic breast cancer, often requiring painful and stressful tests to gain an accurate diagnosis.
  • There is no evidence that deep breast bruising causes breast cancer.
  • Breast pain due to excessive breast bounce during running, is thought to be caused by tension on breast skin, internal ligaments and fascia.
  • Potential breast deformities or asymmetries may occur in growing (pre menarchal) girls.
  • Possible damage to milk ducts may impair future breast feeding.
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