Quality of Life in Female Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Spouse, Partner, or Acquaintance

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Patient * Female breast cancer survivor with age at initial diagnosis in 1 of the following ranges: * 18 to 45 * 55 to 78 * Must have enrolled and participated in ECOG study CLB-9741, E-1199, or E-2197 * Must have received chemotherapy at least 3 years, but no more than 8 years prior to this study entry * Disease free at the time of this study entry * Spouse or partner of the patient, age-matched female acquaintances of the patient (in the younger patient group), or partner of acquaintances * Spouse or partner of the patient may be either gender * Age-matched female acquaintance is defined as within 5 years of age difference of the patient in younger group (18-45 years of age) * With a similar level of education and race of the patient * Not a personal friend of the patient * No history of breast cancer PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Must reside in the continental U.S. and speak English (for patients) PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * See Disease Characteristics