Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening are implemented as population-based preventive measures in many countries. Namely, these are offered to all asymptomatic individuals in target populations by doctors or screening programmes, following screening guidelines. Inequalities in cancer screening participation were reported across and within European countries. This dissertation examines how individual and contextual factors shape screening inequalities, as opposed to previous studies which have focused on individual-level determinants. Results show that not only socioeconomic status, but also social support has a direct effect on screening participation. Importantly, this effect varies in men and women, and in contexts with screening programmes. Additionally, contextual determinants, i.e. healthcare systems, social policies and gender inequality, moderate screening participation and inequalities. It is suggested that macrolevel factors affect individuals’ resources and agency, and (re)produce screening inequalities between population (sub)groups. Tackling screening inequalities may require both upstream interventions and a focus on subgroups’ specific social conditions.