It's called 'Stand Up To Cancer,' a star-studded telethon aimed at raising awareness and money for cancer...a disease that's universal.

"Everyone has been touched by cancer," says Lauren Cypher of the American Cancer Society.

Cypher thinks the national program could open doors for cancer patients.

"'Stand up to Cancer' is a great way to increase visibilty of the issue, locally as well as nationally," she says.

Medical Oncologist Tu Tu Aung agrees. She says increasing awareness is crucial to developing a cancer 'plan of action.'

"If you have an early diagnosis, the treatment is different," Aung, of the Breslin Cancer Center, says. "The quality of life is different."

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 50,000 Mid-Michiganders will be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year alone.

The numbers are high but the perception and reality of cancer is changing. Cutting edge research is opening the door to an optimistic outlook.

"We don't accept this disease as death and dying immediately anymore," Aung says.

That's due in part to more accessible information. The American Cancer Society offers information and support at Lansing's Cancer Resource Center and at the MSU Breslin Cancer Center.

"Cancer is something that is becoming more and more comfortable to talk about and learn about," Cypher points out.

And learning is what 'Stand Up To Cancer' is all about.