Dear nessi_203,

No. Having sex does not cause breast cancer.

The primary risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman — it is 100 times more common in women than in men. A family history of breast cancer is also a risk factor. Many other risk factors are related to lifestyle. Exercising, eating a diet low in fat and high in fiber, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding cigarettes can decrease a woman's chance of getting breast cancer.

Breast cancer is very rare in teenagers — the risk of breast cancer increases with age. But it's a good idea to become familiar with your breasts — what they look like and how they feel — so that you can tell your clinician about any changes to them, such as puckering or dimpling of the skin, nipple discharge, or lumps.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.