OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the awareness and knowledge on oral cancer in a population of Guntur area in South India which could eventually aid in the planning of appropriate health promotion. METHODS: This is a prospective questionnaire based study on 100 subjects, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the awareness and knowledge of oral cancer including its risk factors, signs and symptoms, and beliefs in a population of Guntur area. RESULTS: Oral cancer was the least mentioned cancer(68%).There was awareness of the relationship between oral cancer and smoking among 98% subjects,but less of the association with alcohol misuse (28%).Nonhealing mouth ulcers were identified as a sign or symptom of oral cancer by 52% and difficulty in swallowing was selected by 48% subjects.Whereas 88% agreed that early detection could improve the treatment outcome,a disheartening 11% believed that whether a person developed an oral cancer or not is a matter of luck and therefore is unavoidable and 17% subjects do not know .Only 46% subjects have heard about oral cancer screening. CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrates a general lack of awareness and knowledge on oral cancer in a population of Guntur area. An oral health promotion strategy should involve elements of basic education on oral cancer for this population, and regular oral cancer screenings should be implemented in Guntur.