Northwestern University
RATIONALE: Collecting and storing samples of tumor tissue from patients with breast cancer to study in the laboratory may help doctors learn more about cancer. PURPOSE: This phase I study is collecting tissue samples for future research from women undergoing surgery for breast cancer.
OBJECTIVES: Primary * Collect breast tissue for future research from women undergoing surgery for breast cancer. Secondary * Create microarrays by tumor type for internal use by Specialized Program of Research Excellence. OUTLINE: Tumor tissue is collected and analyzed to create microarrays by tumor type for future research studies. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 1,250 patients will be accrued for this study.
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Undergoing surgery for breast cancer