It's a fact which is slowly seeping into the public consciousness – that the 43 mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, cousins, wives, girlfriends and friends diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Australia are not all over 50.

That's when breast cancer screening starts, which makes sense, given that 75 per cent of all new cases occur in women over 50.

But that still means that one in four women under that age will hear those same words from their doctor's mouths.

Late in 2013, while in the third trimester with her second child, Rachelle Panitz noticed a lump in her breast. But with no family history of breast cancer the then 32-year-old was assured the lump was probably just some fibrous tissue as her body prepared for her baby.

The lump remained – and appeared to grow bigger – and so did Rachelle's concerns, prompting her to return to the doctor and demand a more thorough check.

With a three-year-old daughter and a six-week-old son, Rachelle was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

After a year and a half of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone and immunotherapy, Rachelle is a breast cancer survivor.

She counts herself as one of the lucky ones – she recognised a change in her body and pushed to get answers.

But she said not all women are aware breast cancer can hit at any age - and without any of the known triggers - and made it her mission to spread awareness.

From there, the 'So Brave' project was born.

Bringing together other young women affected by the cancer, Rachelle with body artist Wendy Fantasia and a variety of photographers, worked to show the strength and beauty of survivors for a fundraising calendar for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The women, in full body paint, were captured across the nation, with some of its most recognisable landmarks as backdrops, to send home the message it could happen to any woman, anywhere.

"We want to raise awareness that #youngwomengetbreastcancertoo," Rachelle said.

"It is really important for all women - particularly young women - that you need to be breast aware and that the medical community is also aware that this is possible for young women.

"...This initiative was also an opportunity to empower young breast cancer survivors through a once-in-a-lifetime bodypaint and photo shoot experience in an iconic Australian location. Breast cancer usually means the loss of breasts, hair, sense of self and really does make a wide impact on you and your family's lives.

"This is particularly devastating for young women - often with young families and at the start of their careers.

"I wanted to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research so we can take back the power in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and monitoring of this disease. I really hope that in the future, cancer won't be an issue for my children and their children."

Rachelle said the images were also a reminder that a diagnosis was not an identity.

"I hope that these beautiful images will take away some of the scary stigma that is associated with breast cancer and a breast cancer diagnosis," she said.

"It's really important that all women are breast aware and I know that all the models are very committed to sharing their stories and raising awareness that #youngwomengetbreastcancertoo.

"We decided not to feature pink in our imagery and instead focus on colour and innovative designs so that we can reframe the story about breast cancer - which is these strong, courageous, powerful and beautiful young women are so brave.

"Not only have they faced a life-threatening diagnosis which has completely changed their lives but they've also put themselves out there in this very confronting way and they look amazing.

"They truly are so brave."

For more information visit  - www.sobrave.com