Pain due to cancer is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by the patients at some or the other
time during the course of treatment or disease progression. The multidimensional nature of cancer pain is
characterized by various dimensions including physical, social, psychological, and spiritual; which together
constitute the term “total pain”. Young cancer patients illustrate their unique psychological and developmental
needs. This case report highlights the concept of “total cancer pain” in a young adult and demonstrates his
distinctive social, spiritual, and psychological sufferings. The report emphasizes that addressing all these concerns
is considerably signifi cant in order to provide optimal pain relief to the patient. In the present scenario, it has
been done by a skillful multiprofessional team communicating effectively with both the patient and the carer.
Key words: Cancer pain, Communication