Subgroup analysis based on cancer type indicated that the TERT rs2736098 (G > A) polymorphism was associated with increased susceptibility to lung cancer under the allelic A vs. G genetic model (OR = 1.299, 95% CI = 1.216–1.386, P = 0.000), homozygous AA vs. GG genetic model (OR = 1.796, 95% CI = 1.575–2.047, P = 0.000), heterozygous GA vs. GG genetic model (OR = 1.199, 95% CI = 1.086–1.323, P = 0.000), dominant GA/AA vs. GG genetic model (OR = 1.305, 95% CI = 1.188–1.434, P = 0.000), and recessive AA vs. GA/GG genetic model (OR = 1.653, 95% CI = 1.461–1.869, P = 0.000). Here, TERT is linked to cancer.