It is always great news when you hear that the fight against cancer brings more people together, but it’s greater news when big broadcasters like ABC, CBS and NBC join hands to support cancer research.

Simply called “Stand Up To Cancer,” the initiative comes from Katie Couric, the anchor of the “CBS Evening News,” whose husband and one of her sisters have died of cancer. The idea of airing an event dedicated to raising money to help scientists find cures for the disease apparently emerged while Ms. Couric was still with the NBC.

“For people struggling with this disease or those who will be diagnosed, scientific breakthroughs can be a matter of life and death – literally. We want everyone to know that they can make a difference in this fight,” Couric said, as quoted by CBS News.

The special show scheduled for September 5th will feature live performances from recording artists as well as movie stars who will give insights on what is going on with potentially life-saving research related to cancer.

Charles Gibson from ABC’s “Good morning America” and Brian Williams from NBC’s “Today Show” will join Couric in making the initiative public on Wednesday. They will also host the event, which will raise money destined to two main areas of research: the translation of scientific discoveries into actual cures and out-of-the-box treatments that might not otherwise be financed.

This is not the first time when the three networks have engaged in this kind of collaboration. They did the same thing after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. However, this is still a first, as the event does not come after a national disaster.

“Through the unity of broadcasters, entertainers and cancer groups alike, and the giving spirit of the audience at home, this television event has the potential to make a profound impact on our society's ability to understand and battle this terrible disease,” Leslie Moonves, President & Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation said.

Laura Ziskin, who is producing the telecast, is herself a cancer survivor. She said this is the first concerted effort to try and heighten the public's awareness about a disease that, in its various forms, kills more than half a million Americans a year.

“We hope to entertain you, educate you, move and inspire you,” Ziskin said.

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the second leading cause of death in economically developed countries, following heart diseases and the third leading cause of death in developing countries, following heart diseases and diarrhoeal diseases. Total cancer deaths in 2007 reached 7.6 million (about 20,000 cancer deaths a day) 2.9 million in economically developed countries and 4.7 million in economically developing countries.

Worldwide, cancer causes more deaths than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. By 2050, the global burden is expected to grow to 27 million new cancer cases and 17.5 million cancer deaths simply due to the growth and aging of the population. Also, as people in developing countries adopt western lifestyle behaviors, such as cigarettes smoking, higher consumption of saturated fat and calorie-dense foods, and reduced physical activity, rates of cancers common in western countries will rise if preventive measures are not widely applied.