Abstract: Objective To investigate the distribution of malignant tumors in subjects undergoing physical examination. Methods Malignant tumors were screened in 29 582 subjects without history of malignant tumors who underwent physical examination in our center from 2010 to 2012. The detection rates of malignant tumors were compared according to their age and gender. Results Pathology -established new malignant tumors were detected in 187 patients (6.321‰). Of these new tumors, pulmonary cancer was detected in 46 patients (1.555‰) followed by gastrointestinal malignant tumor in 96 patients(3.245‰). The malignant tumor was detected in 123 male patients and in 64 female patients (6.284‰ vs 6.395‰, P＞0.05). The detection rate of malignant tumors was 30.714‰, 14.06‰, and 4.105‰, respectively, in ≥ 70 years old subjects, 60-69 years old subjects, and ≤ 59 years old subjects. Conclusion Malignant tumors should be actively screened in subjects undergoing physical examination, which contributes to the early detection of malignant tumors.