Translation and cultural adaptation of the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS) into Brazilian Portuguese

BACKGROUND: Breast conservative treatment (BCT) is safe when it is performed in association with radiotherapy. The number of referral for BCT has increased, and it has become an important treatment modality. Patients who undergo BCT present some characteristics that are associated with better quality of life compared with patients who undergo mastectomy without reconstruction. Instruments that measure the quality of life specifically used in cases of BCT are limited. One of these instruments is the Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale (BCTOS), which has not yet been translated into Brazilian Portuguese. It contains 22 questions and four domains (functional, aesthetic, breast sensitivity and oedema). METHODS: We performed the translation and cultural adaptation process using Beaton's and EORTC translations process. In summary, the translation process is based on Portuguese translation, translation summary, reverse translation into English, expert committee, pre-test (10 patients), questionnaire review and test of the final version (6 patients). RESULTS: All 16 patients were submitted to quadrantectomy and mammary radiotherapy. Lymphedema was present in 4, altered strength in 5, and altered shoulder mobility in 6 patients. Considering the questionnaire, the reconciled version determined change in 2 items. Pre-test evaluation showed difficulties in 3 patients, but the questionnaire did not change. Test evaluation showed no problems. CONCLUSION: The translation of BCTOS into Portuguese will help us to evaluate the quality of life in BCT patients evaluating treatment-related sequelae and may be useful for oncoplastic surgery evaluation.