Background and purpose:Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) has a signiifcant relation with gastric cancer. Many researches have confirmed that rs760805 AA can increase the risk of gastric cancer. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between the rs760805 polymorphism of the RUNX3 gene and gastric cancer. Methods: The rs760805 genotypes were determined by PCR-based DNA sequence measuring analysis and direct DNA sequencing in 310 incident cases with gastric cancer and 327 controls recruited in Shandong. Results:The frequency of TT genotype was 15.16%in gastric cancer patients and 20.49%in normal controls, and the corresponding percentages for AT and AA genotypes were 48.39%and 36.45%, and 52.60%and 26.91%, respectively. Compared to TT genotype, AT genotypes were associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (OR=1.24, 95%CI`:0.81-1.92;OR=1.83, 95%CI:1.15-2.92). Conclusion:The rs760805 polymorphism of the RUNX3 gene is associated with increased susceptibility to gastric cancer.