The heterozygous genotype (GC) of TIMP2-418G/C was significantly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer [OR, 1.87 (95%CI, 1.07–3.27); P=0.027] whereas the heterozygous genotype (TC) of TIMP3-1296T/C SNP was significantly associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer [OR, 0.53 (95%CI, 0.32–0.86); P=0.011]. The gene discussed is TIMP3; the disease is colorectal cancer.