Korean translation and validation of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) version 4

In this study, we have translated and cross-culturally adapted the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) version 4 into Korean, and we have evaluated its reliability and validity. The FACT-L version 4 was translated into Korean following the standard Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) translation methodology. The psychometric properties of the FACT-L were evaluated in 122 lung cancer patients (mean age, 60.88 years). Pre-testing was performed in 22 patients, and these results indicated good content coverage and overall comprehensibility. In validating the FACT-L version 4, our results indicated high internal consistency of the FACT-L scales, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.52 to 0.84. The FACT-L also demonstrated good convergent and divergent validity when correlated with the Functional Living Index-Cancer (FLIC) and the shortened forms of the Profile of Mood States (POMS). This reliable and valid instrument can now be used to properly evaluate the quality of life of Korean lung cancer patients.