Factors Affecting Decisions About Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy in Black and Latina Women

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Have undergone mastectomy\* (with or without reconstruction) for breast cancer within the past 3 years AND meets 1 of the following criteria: * Self-identified as being black * Self-identified as being Latina NOTE: \*Patients scheduled to undergo mastectomy are eligible * Recruited from one of the following cancer centers or breast cancer support organizations: * Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center or Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention * Patients are identified by their physician (e.g., oncologist, breast surgeon), the protocol investigator, a member of the research team, and/or medical chart review * Spirit of Hope or LatinaSHARE * Patients are identified by the director of the support organization or the support group leader * Hormone receptor status not specified PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Female * Menopausal status not specified * No cognitive impairment that would preclude giving informed consent PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * See Disease Characteristics