AceShowbiz -

Joan Lunden, who is now bald following her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year, bravely poses on the cover of PEOPLE's magazine latest issue without her wig and shares her story as she battles the disease. In an interview with the magazine, hitting the newsstands on Friday, September 26, the former "Good Morning America" host says that she decides to leave her wig at home to inspire women who are facing similar disease.

"I had to make this big decision about whether or not to do the cover with no hair. It certainly isn't the comfortable way to go, but I decided I was going to try and help others and show women that this isn't the end of the world," she explains. "You can go on - and that was hugely empowering."

"I'm almost reluctant to say it because it sounds superficial. But when you lose your hair, it just affects the way that you look at yourself in the mirror. You feel less feminine, pretty or desirable, and it's not an easy thing to go through," she continues.

Lunden shared the breast cancer diagnosis in June. After receiving the news, she spoke to Robin Roberts (II) who told her that "waiting for your hair to fall out is excruciating." Therefore, Lunden made her decision to shave her blonde hair a week after starting chemo treatment.

After the cover was unveiled, the mother of seven thanked fans for their tremendous support. She said in a Twitter post, "I'm humbled by the amazing outpour of support I've been getting all day in response to my @peoplemag cover."