Objectives - To assess the influence of socioeconomic factors on the uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening based on results from the 2002 INSEE Decennial Health Survey in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Methods - Questions regarding screening were asked of women over the age of 39 for mammography (N=858 for the regional sample) and of women aged 21 to 70 for gynecological smears (N=1,126). Socioeconomic status was assessed using individual data and data regarding the household in which the woman lives. The analysis was conducted taking into account the sampling design for the estimation of the various parameters. Results - In the region, 69.2% of women have had a mammogram at least once in their lifetime, and 88.1% of women have had a Pap smear. Living in a high-income household and having a higher level of education increases participation in breast or cervical cancer screening. Having undergone these tests within the past two years is strongly linked to the woman’s age. Conclusion - Socioeconomic inequalities in participation in breast and cervical cancer screening may contribute to the excess mortality observed in the region. Organized screening campaigns must strive to reach women with low socioeconomic status. (R.A.)