This retrospective cohort study (n =64,288) examined the association between receiving periodic health examinations (PHEs) and cancer testing; including colorectal cancer testing (fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium enema), screening mammography, and prostate-specific antigen testing. PHEs were received by approximately half (52.4%) of the subjects and were significantly associated with cancer testing (following adjustment for confounders including demographics, comorbidity, number of outpatient visits, and historical preventive service use). Receipt of a PHE was significantly associated with completion of colorectal cancer testing (incidence difference, 40.4% [95% CI, 39.4-41.3%]; relative incidence, 3.47 [95% CI, 3.34-3.59]), screening mammography [incidence difference, 14.2% [95% CI 12.7-15.7%]; relative incidence, 1.23 [95% CI 1.20-1.25]), and prostate-specific antigen testing (incidence difference, 39.4% [95% CI 38.3-40.5%]; relative incidence, 3.06 [95% CI 2.95-3.18]). In conclusion receiving a PHE was associated with completion of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer testing.
