OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to examine the awareness and knowledge on oral cancer in a population of Suzhou area in China which could eventually aid in the planning of appropriate health promotion. METHODS: This is a prospective questionnaire based study on 477 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 Suzhou area. RESULTS: Oral cancer was the least mentioned cancer (58%).There was awareness of the relationship between oral cancer and smoking among 89% subjects, but less of the association with alcohol misuse (43%). 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 Suzhou. 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 Suzhou.