The subgroup analysis result showed that high ALDH1 expression in eastern CRC and colon cancer patients was correlated with poor OS (OR = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.15–0.57, P = 0.0003; OR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.15–0.69, P = 0.003, respectively), T stage (T3+T4) (OR = 2.88, 95%CI: 1.59–5.21, P = 0.0005; OR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.19–4.80, P = 0.01, respectively), N stage (N1/2) (OR = 1.8, 95%CI: 1.17–2.79, P = 0.008; OR = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.31–3.48, P = 0.002, respectively), which were consistent with the results derived from overall analysis. Here, ALDH1A1 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.