This report presents comprehensive national data on cancer incidence and mortality in 2005 and projections for 2006 to 2010. Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2008 presents comprehensive national data on cancer incidence and mortality in 2005 and projections for 2006 to 2010. Other topics covered include incidence of lymphohaematopoietic cancers using a WHO-based classification scheme, cancers attributed to smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, incidence in the states and territories, incidence rates and most common cancers over the life span and cancer-related hospitalisations. Summaries are provided for cancer survival, cancer prevalence, the cancer screening programs and the burden of cancer. The report is complemented by substantial online cancer data on the AIHW website.