Our results shed light on the significant association of elevated galectin-3 expression with reduced OS or DFS/RFS/PFS in overall cancer patients (pooled HR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.42–2.27, I2= 67.3%, p < 0.01; pooled HR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.04–2.37, I2= 67.1%, p = 0.001). The gene discussed is LGALS3; the disease is cancer.