It's October, and that means it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So when you're out and about, you might see a lot of pink items for sale in the stores. But before you snap up pink beauty products in the hopes that the product manufacturers will contribute to the cause while you get gorgeous, consider how women who get breast cancer are affected by the disease. We're not talking just the physical damage cancer wreaks, but also the toll it takes on a woman's self-image. After all, if a mastectomy is needed - or a double mastectomy - women can feel less feminine. Add to that the loss of hair through chemotherapy, and we're talking serious self-esteem issues. So when the gravity of the illness passes, it's important to help survivors reclaim their femininity and positive self-image. If you're looking to support those affected by breast cancer, then there are a few ways to do so.

Getting involved with and supporting the nonprofit organization Look Good...Feel Better is a fantastic way to help cancer patients and survivors regain their self-confidence. Purchases from companies such as Clairisonic, Revlon and Yves Rocher donate a portion of their profits to the organization, which offers expert beauty and skincare tips, tutorials, and other information for recovering women with unique beauty needs. Other organizations that are getting involved with helping cancer patients reclaim their self-image are Hip Hats with Hair - a company that aims to make it more comfortable for women who need wigs to swim, play sports and do other activities that require hats or scarves over a wig, which may get hot and itchy. Reach out and help another woman feel more beautiful this month.

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