Background: Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes can alter an individual's DNA repair capability and contribute to the risk of various cancers. Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the XPG gene with the risk of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) in a high-incidence population in northern China. Methods: Two SNPs from 431 GCA patients and 432 healthy controls were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction/ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) method. Results: The rs751402 C/T SNP T allele and the T/T genotype were associated with an increased risk of GCA in younger individuals (<= 61 years) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33 and 1.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-1.76 and 1.12-3.30, respectively). The rs873601 G/A SNP was not associated with susceptibility to GCA. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the rs751402 C/T SNP has potential as a predictive marker for the risk of GCA and that carriers of the T/T genotype should receive periodic upper gastrointestinal fiber tests to facilitate the early detection and early treatment of GCA.