Published data on the relation between REF1 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk showed inconclusive results. The aim of this study was to derive a comprehensive estimation of the association. Data on association between REF1 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk were summarized. The association was estimated by calculating an odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) with the fixed effects model when P > 0.1 (from heterogeneity test) or with the random effects model when P < 0.1. No significant association was revealed in any genetic model assumed for the overall analysis (OR = 1.03, 95 % CI = 0.81-1.32 for Glu/Glu vs. Asp/Asp; OR = 1.05, 95 % CI = 0.96-1.15 for Glu/Glu + Asp/Glu vs. Asp/Asp; OR = 0.97, 95 % CI = 0.76-1.23 for Glu/Glu vs. Asp/Glu + Asp/Asp; OR = 1.03, 95 % CI = 0.92-1.16 for Glu vs. Asp; OR = 1.09, 95 % CI = 0.93-1.27 for Asp/Glu vs. Asp/Asp). In Caucasian population, nor did we find a significant association. This research indicates that REF1 polymorphism is unlikely to be associated with colorectal cancer risk.