Dear sassycookielove,

Having sex does not cause breast cancer. No one knows exactly what causes breast cancer, but we do know that there are risk factors, such as smoking and having a family history of breast cancer.

Breast cancer in teenagers is very rare. For women 20 and older, the American Cancer Society recommends clinical breast exams, performed by a trained health care provider, once every three years, and then yearly after age 40. Many women already receive clinical breast exams as a regular part of their periodic exams.

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.