Responsiveness of the Spanish Version of the “Skin Cancer Index”

Abstract

Background. Skin Cancer Index (SCI) is a specific questionnaire measuring health related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with cervicofacial non-melanoma skin cancer (CFNMSC). The original scale has recently been adapted and validated into Spanish. Objectives. Evaluate the responsiveness of the Spanish version of SCI. Methods. Patients with CFNMSC candidate for surgical treatment were administered the questionnaire at time of diagnostic (t 0), 7 days after surgery (t 1), and 5 months after surgery (t 2). The scale and subscales scores (C1: social/appearance, C2: emotional) were then evaluated. Differences between t 0-t 1, t 1-t 2, and t 0-t 2 were determined and a gender-and-age segmented analysis was performed. Results. 88 patients, 54.8% male, mean age 62.5 years, completed the study. Differences between t 0-t 1 and t 1-t 2 scores were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The lowest values were found at time of diagnosis and postsurgery. Women and patients under 65 years showed the lowest values at the three times. Limitations. Concrete geographic and cultural area. Clinical and histological variables are not analysed. Conclusions. Our results confirm responsiveness of the Spanish version of the SCI. Further development of the instrument in Spanish-speaking countries and populations will make it possible to extend worldwide research and knowledge horizons on skin cancer.

Comparison of the Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool and the Skin Cancer Index Questionnaire in Measurement of Health-Related Quality of Life and the Effect of Patient Education Brochures in Patients with Actinic Keratosis, Non-melanoma Skin Cancer, and Cutaneous Melanoma

“…Interestingly, de Troya-Martín et al [44] reported findings that were similar to ours: female gender and young age were associated with low HRQoL in measurement with the Spanish version of the SCIQ (range 0-100) [43]. One week after surgery, the mean score was 63.8 (SD 20.2).…”

“…Sobanko et al [ 43 ] examined 136 patients using the SCIQ and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, showing likewise lower HRQoL for younger patients with skin cancer and women. A Spanish study conducted in 2016 using the SCIQ in 88 patients found lower HRQoL associated with younger age and female sex, as well [ 44 ]. Vaidya et al [ 45 ] discovered that lower postoperative facial appearance and scar satisfaction scores were associated with female sex, younger age, and location on the nose.…”

Quality of life measurement in skin cancer patients: literature review and position paper of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes, Melanoma and Non‐Melanoma Skin Cancer

“…Most of the publications identified were clinical trials and studies on creation and/or validation of QoL instruments. Data on creation and/or validation including national language versions of cancer‐specific, SC‐specific, facial SC‐specific, NMSC‐specific, BCC‐specific and melanoma‐specific QoL questionnaires were identified . Information on minimal clinical important difference was only given for one questionnaire, FACT‐M …”

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Skin Cancer Index into Brazilian Portuguese for patients with cervicofacial nonmelanoma skin cancer

“…Therefore, the SCI is considered a simple, solid, consistent, reliable, and valuable instrument, not only in clinical practice but also in epidemiological and clinical research on patients with cervicofacial NMSC [ 17 ]. However, because the SCI assesses a specific disease, a significant limiting disadvantage is that it cannot be used to compare the disease impact on quality of life across a broad spectrum of dermatological diseases [ 6 ].…”

“…In addition, it enables future comparative studies aimed at assessing the impact of NMSC on quality of life by subgroup as a function of, among others, treatment, sex, ethnicity, region, location, and severity of lesions [ 14 ]. A Spanish version of the SCI was adapted and validated to the Spanish language and the culture by Troya-Martín et al [ 16 , 17 ].…”