Research into breast injuries focuses on grassroots sport in effort to boost awareness

On the football field, the cricket pitch or the netball court, even the best-fitting bra can leave girls and women with breast soreness — or worse.

It was something National Rugby League Women (NRLW) player Shaniah Power simply put up with in her early playing years.

«They can definitely end up a little bit tender after a game,» Power said.

«I wish I knew more about these injuries when I began playing because I think a lot of damage could have been prevented.

»People say things to me all the time like, 'Does it hurt? Are you worried about it [my breasts]?'."

Research on breast health in sport is limited and in the past has been focused on elite athletes.

But a new study by the University of Wollongong is directing its attention to community sport in an effort to raise awareness among amateur female players and prevent injuries.

School of Medicine Associate Professor Deirdre McGhee, who was also co-founder and director at Breast Research Australia, said she wanted to fill the gap in knowledge at a community level.

«The strategy we use to improve the prevention and management will be different because community level sports do not have the same resources as elite athletes have,» she said.

Power wished she knew more about it years ago.

«I suffered an injury this NRLW season, where they suspected there might have been some slight tearing from the breast tissue,» she said.

«At the time, I didn't report it [but] only recently, coming up to this level with my most recent injury, I reported that one.

»You can be quite self-conscious of it, and it doesn't feel nice when they don't feel secure."

The study was instigated by rugby union officials in Queensland's Darling Downs, where female participation has exploded in popularity.

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