What constitutes breast-related quality of life? A comparison of normative scores of two BREAST-Q modules

BREAST-Q, with modules for augmentation, reduction/mastopexy, and breast cancer is the most frequently used instrument for assessing breast-disease specific quality of life which, according to the BREAST-Q-manual, also can be used to compare different patient groups. The primary aim of the present study was to compare scores from the pre-operative breast cancer module and the reduction/mastopexy module from healthy women. The secondary aim was to compare version 1 and 2 of the two modules.

This study extends on previously published data and compares the result of the two studies creating Swedish normative scores for BREAST-Q. All participants answered the two BREAST-Q modules at the same time.

There was a difference between average and range of scores for some domains, especially for the physical well-being domain. Moreover, there was a difference in scores between version 1.0 and 2.0 of the domains.

The results suggest that different modules cannot be used to compare different patient groups. This begs the question if the time has come for a comprehensive pre-operative BREAST-Q domains that measure breast-related quality of life irrespective of any specific breast-conditions. The difference between version 1.0 and 2.0 of BREAST-Q, might lead to difficulty when results from different studies are compared.

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