Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of The Cancer Dyspnoea Scale - CDS into Brazilian Portuguese

To translate and cross-culturally adapt The Cancer Dyspnoea Scale - CDS into Brazilian Portuguese.

The original instrument in English was translated by a Brazilian Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and a Brazilian translator, both bilingual. The compiled version of the two translations was back-translated by a second SLP and a second translator, both bilingual, native English speakers, and fluent in Brazilian Portuguese. The final version was analyzed by a committee of experts, resulting in the final version of the Escala de Dispneia Oncológica - CDS-Br. It was pre-tested by applying the translated scale (with the additional option of responding "not applicable") to 40 cancer patients with dyspnea complaints - 35 initial participants and another five to confirm subsequent adjustments.

None of the 35 initial study participants marked "not applicable" in the 12 scale items, but some questions were raised regarding the response keys, which were adapted after the committee of experts rediscussed them. Five new participants then responded to the scale to confirm the adjustments, without the need for further adaptations in the formulation of the items.

The translated and cross-culturally adapted version for Brazilian Portuguese was called Escala de Dispneia Oncológica - CDS-Br. Adjustments were necessary during translation and cross-cultural adaptation to reflect the original version and be compatible with the target language and culture. The Escala de Dispneia Oncológica - CDS-Br proved to be an easy-to-apply and understand self-assessment tool for dyspnea in cancer patients.