In the stratified analysis by cancer types, significant associations were observed between survivin −31G>C polymorphism and increased risk of colorectal cancer under all genetic models (allele model: OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.20–1.75, P<0.001; dominant model: OR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.22–1.88, P<0.001; recessive model: OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.08–2.32, P = 0.020; homozygous model: OR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.20–2.82, P = 0.006). The gene discussed is BIRC5; the disease is colorectal cancer.