Résumé
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the French version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) quality-of-life colorectal questionnaire (QLQ-CR38) and the functional assessment of cancer therapy-colorectal version 4 (FACT-C). METHOD: This prospective study included 209 patients with colorectal cancer: 71 undergoing chemotherapy, 56 radiation, 15 surgery, and 67 survivors. Patients first completed in random order the FACT-C and the EORTC QLQ-CR38 and were asked if they had any preference for either questionnaire. The timing of administration of instruments differed according to patients' treatment to better assess psychometric properties. RESULTS: The FACT-C showed good acceptability, good reproducibility and excellent internal consistency. The QLQ-CR38 had lower internal consistency. Patients did not express a preference for one survey over another. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the value of the FACT-C and suggests some limits of the QLQ-CR38 for patients with colorectal cancer.