For the actor is fronting a new Action Cancer campaign, called Don't Sit on Your Symptoms, aimed at highlighting the early symptoms of bowel cancer.

Throughout the busy festive period, the Broughshane-born actor will be appearing on washroom adverts in bars, pubs and clubs across Northern Ireland.

The Action Cancer patron will be spelling out the symptoms of bowel cancer in the hope that people may make the link between symptoms and any problems they may have.

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Northern Ireland with about 1,000 people diagnosed with the disease every year. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death with around 430 people dying from bowel cancer every year.

The Co Antrim actor said: "People don't like talking about problems to do with their bums or tums.

"However, it is a serious issue and I would like to do my bit to take away the embarrassment.

"I am saying don't sit on your symptoms. At the earliest sign of a problem see your GP - it could save your life."

Belfast business consultant Dr Francis Costello is in remission after being first diagnosed with bowel cancer in March 2001.

A second tumour was later discovered and removed from his bowel and he was also treated for a separate cancer in his thyroid.

The father-of-four went to get checked out by his doctor after a friend who had been diagnosed with bowel cancer urged him to.

"I had no symptoms other than a little bleeding which I put down to haemorrhoids. I was only 45, I had no pain and I wasn't aware that there was a history of it in my family. I had a good diet and was active," he said.

"So it was a complete shock when I got the news it was cancer. It wasn't a matter of denial, I genuinely didn't have any concerns. I had four young boys, the youngest just seven months old, so it was a difficult time."

The US-born 52-year-old urged anyone with any symptoms to see their GP.

"I can't emphasise enough how important early detection is. I am relieved to be in remission after the cancer was caught early.

"The care I received at the Belfast City Hospital was outstanding. If you have any concerns, go and see your doctor. And be aware of your family history," Dr Costello added.

Action Cancer has launched the campaign in partnership with Randox Laboratories.

For further information, log on to www.actioncancer.org