A mastectomy is not as life-changing as you might think - I was back line-dancing within a fortnight

Julie Fox 'September'

"I didn't know that in the majority of cases breast cancer is treatable. It's vital that women are aware and have check-ups so they can receive treatment as early as possible."

Mrs Holdsworth, who posed for the April shot, had the idea for the calendar three years ago, when she was recovering from a mastectomy and was told she looked far better than people had expected.

Key message

"Stripping my clothes off was daunting - especially at my age and I had a job persuading the other women to take part.

"But we all had great fun doing the calendar and we all feel passionate about its message."

Some women were unsure about baring all for the calendar, but one woman's tragic death changed their minds.

Irene Cornwall, 55, 'June', had refused to pose, but changed her mind when Lisa Fawcett, a 27-year-old who had been set to take part in the calendar died.

Mrs Cornwall said: "My daughter Jane is only 28 and I wanted to let young women know it's vital to have regular check-ups and to get any irregularities screened."

Julie Fox, who posed for the September shot, said she was devastated when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but said life does go on."

"A mastectomy is not as life-changing as you might think," she said. "I was back line-dancing within a fortnight!"

Women aged between 34 and 65 posed for the calendar.

The photographer and designer worked for free on the calendar.

Half the 3,000 printed have so far been sold.

'Inspired project'

BUPA's assistant medical director Dr Paula Franklin said: "This is an inspired and wonderful project with a serious and important message.

"It is vital that breast cancer is detected as early as possible to give the very best chances of recovery."

She advised women to check their breasts regularly and see a doctor if they find anything unusual, such as a change in breast size, puckering or dimpling of the skin, swelling, pain, a lump or thickening of breast tissue.

The calendar is available through the group's website.