This paper considers the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and survival from breast and cervical cancers, two major health problems for women. For both cancers, lower SES women appear to have poorer survival. Factors which may account for this are discussed, including biological and nutritional factors. Major emphasis is placed on early detection since this appears to play a critical role in the survival differential. Factors which act as barriers to early detection among poor women are considered, including those related both to the health behaviors of the poor and to the health care system available to the poor.