Using data from the Longitudinal Study social class patterns in the incidence of breast, lung and cervical cancer in women, and lung cancer in men, for the period 1976-89 were examined. At working ages, 15 to 64, there was very little difference in breast cancer incidence between women in non-manual and manual classes. At older ages the incidence was higher in women in non-manual classes than in those in manual classes. Cervical cancer incidence was considerably higher among younger women in manual than in non-manual classes and these differences were greatest in 1986-89. Among both younger and older men and women, strong class differentials in the incidence of lung cancer were evident in 1986-89. These findings indicate the need to target prevention strategies sensitively and to ensure equitable access to services.