DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically proven invasive adenocarcinoma of the breast Fine-needle aspiration is acceptable Core or Tru-cut biopsies are preferable No more than 63 days between initial diagnosis and randomization Tumor palpable on clinical exam and confined to the breast and ipsilateral axilla If clinically negative axillary nodes (N0): primary tumor greater than 1 cm (T1c-T3) If clinically positive axillary nodes (N1): any size primary tumor (T1-3) No N2 disease, i.e., ipsilateral nodes clinically fixed to one another or to other structures No skeletal pain unless: Bone scan and/or roentgenologic exam negative for metastatic disease Suspicious findings confirmed as benign by x-ray, MRI, or biopsy No ulceration, erythema, skin infiltration (complete fixation), or peau d'orange, or skin edema of any magnitude Tethering or dimpling of skin or nipple inversion allowed No bilateral malignancy Suspicious contralateral mass proven benign on biopsy allowed None of the following unless proven benign on biopsy: Suspicious palpable nodes in contralateral axilla Palpable supraclavicular or infraclavicular nodes Hormone receptor status: Any status