World-first research at the University of Wollongong into breast injuries in women’s contact sport has revealed some alarming trends.  

A/Prof. Deirdre McGhee is one of a few people in the world studying breast injuries in women’s sport.

Her team of researchers found only 10% of the people they surveyed who played rugby league, AFL and rugby union reported a breast injury to a coach or team official.

Breast injuries can result in serious short-term effects for the athlete, including bruising and swelling which affects the athlete’s ability to perform at an optimum level.

A/Prof. McGhee said, with women’s sport at national and grass-root levels continuing to increase, preventative measures need to be put in place to help the athletes recover from breast injuries.