Surgeon & star players call for breast protection in female sports

Australian-owned and operated Boob Armour has emerged as a groundbreaking solution designed to protect breasts and prevent injuries in women and girls participating in impact and hardball sports, including Australian rules football, netball, basketball, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, hockey, and cricket.

Founder and Director of Boob Armour, Suzie Betts, emphasises the need for breast protection, stating, "Research and evidence demonstrate that impacts to the breast can result in deep bruising and the formation of hard lumps in the breast tissue. It is crucial to raise awareness about breast injuries and their prevalence."

Boob Armour is dedicated to safeguarding females in contact sports, providing them with the confidence to perform at their best without the fear of breast injury during games or training sessions.

Leading Specialist Breast Cancer surgeon, Dr. Chantel Thornton, highlights the potential consequences of breast trauma, stating, "Trauma to the breast tissue can cause dead fat necrosis, leading to lumps in the breast. This can be mistaken for breast cancer, requiring unnecessary biopsies. It can also make it challenging to detect breast cancer in the future if multiple areas of fat necrosis are present."

Boob Armour inserts, made from soft and durable polyethylene just 2mm thick, weighing 15gm each, offer comprehensive protection by extending around the underarm area, stabilising the breasts, and easily fitting into sports bras.

Dr. Thornton further emphasises the importance of breast protection in sport, stating, "Trauma to the breast should be avoided, and protection is recommended. Trauma can also lead to chronic musculoskeletal and breast pain. However, breast pain is rarely associated with breast cancer, with less than 10 percent of cases presenting with breast pain."

BOOB ARMOUR, officially licensed by the AFL/AFLW & Basketball Australia, was launched in 2020 with a singular mission: to provide more women and girls with the confidence to participate in impact sports while protecting their breasts from injury.

Libby Birch, an All-Australian AFLW premiership defender, advocates for breast protection, urging women and girls involved in contact sports to prioritise the safety of their most vital assets. Birch states, "We wear helmets and shinguards, but what about protecting the most important part of your body? Wearing chest protection gives me confidence to know my breasts are being protected from injury and impact."

Monique Conti, a professional women's basketball player and current member of the Richmond Football Club in the AFLW, serves as an ambassador for Boob Armour. She stresses the significance of breast protection, particularly for young girls, stating, "Protecting your breasts when playing contact sport is something that isn't talked about enough. I want to encourage and give confidence to young girls to protect their breasts from impact and injury when training and playing."

Boob Armour offers seven sizes of inserts suitable for regular sports bras, catering to females as young as eight years old. Customisation options allow inserts to be designed in any colour or pattern, ensuring both functionality and personal style.

The call to prioritise breast protection in women's sport is gaining momentum, with surgeons, star players, and Boob Armour leading the charge. It is crucial to raise awareness about the significance of breast protection to ensure the safety, well-being, and long-term health of female athletes.