Statement: Candidates for the primary trial do not need to meet a specific life expectancy criteria.
Primary_evidence: DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:   Recently confirmed unilateral ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive cancer of the breast   Confirmed by biopsy or fine needle aspiration (FNA) within the past 60 days   Negative or benign mammogram (BI-RADS assessment 1 or 2) and negative or benign clinical breast exam of the contralateral breast within the past 90 days   Prior biopsy of the contralateral breast (including FNA) is allowed provided it was performed at least 6 months prior to study entry   Prior magnetic resonance exam of the contralateral breast is allowed provided it was performed at least 1 year prior to study entry   No remote history of breast cancer   No new breast symptoms within the past 60 days for which further evaluation is recommended   Hormone receptor status:   Not specified   PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:   Age   18 and over   Sex   Female   Menopausal status   Not specified   Performance status   Not specified   Life expectancy   Not specified   Hematopoietic   Not specified   Hepatic   Not specified   Renal   Not specified   Cardiovascular   No pacemaker   No magnetic aneurysm clips   Other   Not pregnant   No implanted magnetic device   No severe claustrophobia   No other contraindications to MRI   No psychiatric, psychological, or other condition that would preclude informed consent   PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:   Biologic therapy   Not specified   Chemotherapy   At least 6 months since prior anticancer chemotherapy   Endocrine therapy   No concurrent therapeutic hormonal therapy, tamoxifen, or aromatase inhibitors (preventive therapy allowed)   Radiotherapy   Not specified   Surgery Not specified