OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the measurement properties of the EORTC QLQ-BR23, a breast cancer specific module in measuring the health related quality of life. METHODS: A structured literature review was performed. Articles were searched on MEDLINE, HEALTHSTAR, Science Citation Index, Google Scholar Search and on the websites of National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and the EORTC Quality of Life group. The MeSH headings used were “Breast neoplasm, Quality of life and EORTC”. We included randomized or non-randomized studies which had used the QLQ-BR23 alone or in conjunction with other instruments. Studies had to be published in English language between the years 1990 to 2005. Reviews and methodological studies were excluded. We included articles describing the following measurement properties: reliability (internal consistency), validity, and interpretability. Both discriminative and evaluative properties were also reviewed. The definitions of measurement properties were explicitly defined a priori according to previous systematic reviews. RESULTS: Of the 68 papers cited, 21 were extracted for detailed review. Overall, the instrument exhibited high internal consistency (ρ>0.70) in the dissimilar populations. Reliability and interpretability were poorly addressed in the cited studies. The QLQ-BR23 demonstrates face and content validity. All the domains, except systemic therapy side effects, confirmed convergent-divergent validity. Construct validity for all the domains was illustrated using the method of Known Groups comparisons, in 6 culturally diverse populations, where the QLQ-BR23 was used as a discriminating tool. Construct validity for evaluative properties was demonstrated only for the following domains: body image, breast symptoms and systemic therapy side effects. CONCLUSION: EORTC QLQ-BR23 is valid cross culturally and has high internal consistency. It has good discriminative properties however evaluative properties need more empirical support before we interpret data from longitudinal trials with confidence.