REDLANDS Rugby Union coach and player Alisi Qalo Wilson is doing her bit to help educate and drive awareness on protecting players' breasts when playing contact sport.
Alisi coaches teams with players ranging from two to 18-years old. She also plays and coaches Redlands Women's.
Alisi is an Indigenous programs coordinator for Queensland Rugby Union.
These programs work with the Aboriginal communities of Cherbourg and Woorabinda to identify students who show potential leadership qualities.
Alisi has started wearing breast protection when she plays and would like to see more coaches and female players at both Queensland Rugby Union and Redlands Club supporting breast protection.
Alisi has had relatives affected by breast cancer.
"As women, we already have so many hurdles in front of us to fully participate in society and of course sport. So, breast injuries shouldn't be another reason why girls and women drop out of sport," she said.
Boob Armour is the brainchild of Melbourne mum Suzie Betts and offers breast protection for women of all ages when playing contact, high impact sports.
The inserts are worn inside a sports bra to help minimise breast movement during running, and protect the breast from impact injury.
Breast cancer surgeon Dr Chantel Thornton said trauma to the breast should be avoided, and protection in sport is recommended.
"Trauma can also lead to chronic musculoskeletal and breast pain. But pain in the breast is uncommonly associated with breast cancer. Less than 10 per cent of all breast cancers present with breast pain," she said.
Boob Armour is licenced by the AFLW and is worn by professional sports women, community players and school teams across various sports including netball, AFL, rugby league/union, cricket, soccer, and hockey.
