title: EORTC QLQ-BR23 and FACT-B for the assessment of quality of life in patients with breast cancer: a literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aims to compare the development, characteristics and validity of two widely used tools in the breast cancer population, the EORTC QLQ-BR23 and the FACT-B.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, OLDMEDLINE, Embase, Embase Classic and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify relevant studies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both tools were found to be reliable and valid. The QLQ-BR23 focuses on physical function, whereas the FACT-B emphasizes emotional well-being. Scoring, item format, organization and response options differ between questionnaires.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, both questionnaires are effective in assessing breast cancer-specific quality of life. Clear similarities and differences between the two tools exist. Decision-making between the questionnaires should be based on the purpose and design of the study.
authors.affiliation: Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada.
authors.forename: Jasmine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Marko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Popovic
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cella
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Beaumont
authors.forename: Dominic
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: DiGiovanni
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pulenzas
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bottomley
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*
keywords: EORTC; FACT; breast cancer; quality of life