Abstract: Objective To explore the knowledge and behavior in residents for early detection of cancer in Jiading so as to facilitate targeted health promotion.Methods Cluster sampling was employed to select residents above 15 years old in the District and investigation was performed by means of questionnaire of "Chronic Diseases and related risk factors Surveillance in Shanghai".Results The total awareness rate in early detection of cancer was 33.98%, with 20.90% in males and 35.06% in females. The participation rate of cancer screening was 14.51%, with 7.88% and 14.96% for male and female, respectively. There were significant differences for different age groups in awareness and participation. Residents aged 45~54 had the highest awareness rate of 34.20%, while those above 75 years old had the lowest rate of 13.65%. Residents aged 55~64 and 65~74 had the highest participation rate of 18.63%, while those aged 15~24 had the lowest rate of 3.56%. The awareness and participation rates rose with the increase of education level.Conclusion The awareness rate of cancer knowledge and participation rate of screening in residents in Jiading were still at a low level, which were associated with gender, age and education level. Health promotion should be enhanced in the knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment in the future to improve the awareness and behavior of residents for early detection of cancer.