During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, stores fill up with all kinds of pink products, but some don't actually donate to the cause.

Though stores may or may not mislead consumers into purchasing pink items by putting them on end-caps at stores if you're truly looking to support the cause and raise awareness for Breast Cancer, whether it be survivors, those lost, or those still fighting, be sure to check the following information:

Do a portion of the proceeds actually go to breast cancer charities?

It's easy to assume that all regular products that have been turned pink are automatically tied to breast cancer awareness, and therefore raise money for related charities - but don't be mislead. Unfortunately, some brands have tried to profit off of the pink craze. Before you make a purchase, research the product. Find out which portion of the proceeds go to charity (if any). If you can't tell, consider donating directly instead.

What exactly does the charitable organization do?

Even if you're sure that the product you're buying goes to a certain place, like for example Susan G. Komen, take some time to figure out what that charity is all about. You want to make sure that your own views are in line with the organization if you want to truly support.

What's in the product?

This goes for foods or makeup brands: If you're buying a face wash, but it uses scrubbing beads with a chemical that's known to cause cancer, that's probably a product you want to avoid, especially if you're trying to promote a Cancer Free lifestyle.

Is there a limit to the number of donations?

Certain brands are only allowed to donate a certain amount to charity, and if they have already hit their number, buying something pink from them might be a waste, as it won't be donated to the people affected. According to information provided by Sports Illustrated, "the NFL 'takes a 25% royalty from the wholesale price (1/2 retail), [and] donates 90% of royalty to American Cancer Society.' In other words, for every $100 in pink merchandise sold, $12.50 goes to the NFL. Of that, $11.25 goes to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the NFL keeps the rest." Not so keen on dropping all your cash into one basket, now are you?