1 Why is breast health important?

Experiencing breast pain can deter women from participating in sport and exercise, which can be due to discomfort or embarrassment. For example, in a study with 2,000 girls aged 11–17 years, 46% reported that their breasts had some effect on their participation in sports and exercise.

Breast concerns were high with 73% reporting more than one breast-specific concern in sports; with breast bounce being most prevalent (38%) (Scurr et al., 2016). The evidence suggests that many suffer from breast pain and discomfort. For example, Brown et al. (2014) found that 32% of marathon runners experienced breast pain and for 17% of them, it impacted how much training they could do. Finally, poor breast support can impact upon performance. Studies by the Research Group in Breast Health at Portsmouth University have demonstrated that running with insufficient breast support can make exercise feel harder, increase the risk of injuries to the lower limbs, and decrease stride length by 4cm and make running mechanics less economical, which means more energy is used for a given intensity and that can accelerate the onset of fatigue (Research Group in Breast Health, 2021).

Activity 1 What is the problem?

Timing: Allow about 15 minutes

Select the answer for

Question 1a

here

Watch the animation below which explains some of the key issues around breast health then answer the questions below.

Download this video clip.Video player: sfps_1_animation_breast_health_part_1.mp4

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Transcript

NARRATOR

Breast pain and breast movement can impact on a woman's participation in sport and exercise, and on their ability to perform optimally in training. For example, women with a D-cup size or above do nearly 40% less high intensity physical activity, and cite their breasts as the main barrier.

Between 20% and 40% of active women report that breast pain interferes with their ability to train. Many of the problems women face during exercise can be alleviated by a well-fitting sports bra. However, up to 50% of women do not wear a sports bra during physical activity, instead selecting a less supportive everyday bra or wear a poorly fitting sports bra that does not provide optimum support and limit breast movement.

Breasts consist of fat and glandular tissue, and they can weigh up to two pounds each. They sit on top of the chest muscles, but these muscles offer them no support. The only support is provided by the Coopers ligaments, and the skin, which is the breast's main supporting structure.

After the age of 30, the skin starts to lose elasticity, and offers less support to the breast tissue. During exercise, movements cause repeated strain on the breasts' weak supporting structures. This is a particular problem in high impact sports that involve running and jumping, as well as horse riding, where the breasts experience repeated rapid loading. These forces can lead to irreversible damage to the ligaments and skin supporting the breasts.

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1. There are muscles within the breasts that offer natural support.

False

True

 

a. 

False

b. 

True

The correct answer is a.

Discussion

False. The only support to the breast is provided by the Cooper’s ligaments and the skin.

Select the answer for

Question 1b

here

2. Women with larger breasts often experience more discomfort and breast pain.

True

False

 

a. 

True

b. 

False

The correct answer is a.

Discussion

True. Due to their weight, larger breasts place more stress on the supporting structures and can potentially cause more pain.

Select the answer for

Question 1c

here

3. Intense exercise without the appropriate support can cause permanent damage to the breasts.

True

False

 

a. 

True

b. 

False

The correct answer is a.

Discussion

True. Repeated high impact forces without appropriate support can cause irreparable damage to the ligaments and skin that support the breasts.

Good breast support has the potential to positively influence both participation and performance in sport and exercise, yet education around breast health and breast support is currently very poor (Brown et al., 2018). By empowering girls and women with knowledge and awareness of breast health and bra fit there are several positive outcomes: body confidence, health and participation in physical activity can all be significantly improved.