Recurrent or persistent inflammation has emerged as an important factor in cancer development. Overexpression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), an upstream regulator of innate immunity with pleiotropic effects on cell proliferation, has been implicated in prostate cancer (CaP). Two polymorphisms in the promoter of the MIF gene (− 173G to C transition and seven copies of the− 794 CATT repeat) are associated with increased MIF expression in vivo and poor prognosis in autoimmune diseases. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 131 CaP patients and 128 controls from a group of Veterans' Administration patients undergoing routine prostate-specific antigen screening. Patients with CaP were enrolled regardless of treatment. Inclusion criteria for the control group were absence of documented diagnosis of cancer and/or chronic inflammation within patient computerized records. Logistic regression demonstrated a significant association between CaP and the− 173G/C, the− 173C/C and the− 794 7-CATT MIF polymorphisms (P< 0.001). Patients with the− 794 7-CATT allele had an increased risk of CaP recurrence at 5 years. Individuals with− 173G/C,− 173C/C and− 794 7-CATT MIF genotypes have an increased incidence of CaP and these genotypes may serve as an independent marker for cancer recurrence.