The TERT rs2736100 polymorphism was associated with increased overall cancer risk in five genetic models [homozygous model (GG vs. TT): odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.26-1.54, P < 0.001; heterozygous model (TG vs. TT): OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.11-1.23, P < 0.001; dominant model (TG + GG vs. TT): OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.15-1.31, P < 0.001; recessive model (GG vs. TG + TT): OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.16-1.35, P < 0.001; and allele contrast model (G vs. T): OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.12-1.23, P < 0.001]. Here, TERT is linked to cancer.