e22171 Background: Previously, TP53 codon 72 polymorphisms have been implicated as risk factors for various cancers. Several studies have conducted on the association of TP53 codon 72 polymorphisms with susceptibility to breast carcinoma and have yielded inconclusive results. The aim of the present study was to assess possible associations of breast cancer risk with TP53 codon 72 polymorphisms. Methods: We conducted a search in the Medline, EMBASE, OVID, Sciencedirect, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) without a language limitation, covering all papers published up to Dec 2008. The associated literature was acquired through deliberate searching and selected based on the established inclusion criteria for publications. Results: Consequently, fifteen studies, including 3436 cases and 4394 controls, met the included criteria and thus were selected. Ultimately, the relevant data were extracted and further analyzed using systematic meta- analyses. The results showed that individuals carrying homozygote Arg/Arg genotype have a significant increased risk of breast cancer compared with those carrying Pro/Pro genotype (OR: 1.58, 95%CI:1.10–2.28). For Arg allele, no evidence indicated that individuals with Arg/Arg genotype have an increased risk of breast cancer compared with those with a combined Pro genotype (Arg/Pro+Pro/Pro) (OR: 1.68, 95%CI:1.24–2.29). For Pro allele, individuals with homozygote Pro/Pro genotype have a marked decreased susceptibility to breast cancer relative to those with a combined Arg genotype (Arg/Pro+Arg/Arg) (OR: 0.84, 95%CI:0.73–0.98). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that TP53 codon 72 polymorphisms might be a risk factor for breast cancer. Homozygote Arg allele genotype could significantly increase susceptibility to breast cancer, while Pro/Pro allele markedly decreases breast risk. No significant financial relationships to disclose.