News that BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen has bowel cancer has led to almost triple the number of visits to an NHS information website.
Mr Bowen, the BBC's Middle East Editor, revealed on Monday that he has had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour and is undergoing chemotherapy.
The 59-year-old said he was diagnosed with the disease in October after suffering "funny pains" in his leg and back.
The news prompted more people to search for bowel cancer online.
The NHS's bowel cancer information page received 4,735 visits on Monday, up from 1,639 visits over the previous 24 hours and more than double last year's average of 1,816 daily page views.
Celia Ingham-Clark, medical director for clinical effectiveness at NHS England and a leading bowel specialist, thanked the journalist as she spoke about the "Bowen bounce".
She added: "It's vital to get worrying symptoms checked out as soon as possible so something serious can be ruled out, or people can be referred for testing and treatment.
"As a nation we need to stop being so prudish about poo. How often someone goes and consistency, or finding blood in poo, can be an early indicator that something isn't right.
"Our trips to the toilet can give vital clues to our health which shouldn't be ignored."
Mr Bowen said: "I spoke out to encourage people to get tested. You can be cured of bowel cancer if you catch it early. Don't be embarrassed, ask your doctor."
The Irish Cancer Society says more than 2,700 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in Ireland every year.
Bumped into archive photo of @sophieraworth and me in @BBCBreakfast office after talking about my bowel cancer on the programme with @DeborahAlsina. Overwhelmed & touched by so many messages of support. Many thanks #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth @bowelcanceruk pic.twitter.com/4z6zUS1s5M
— Jeremy Bowen (@BowenBBC) April 1, 2019
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Symptoms and diagnosis of bowel cancer
It is also the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland. It said that if bowel cancer is found early, it can be successfully treated.
Bowel cancer is the third most commonly occurring cancer in men and the second most commonly occurring cancer in women worldwide.
Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "We are incredibly grateful to our patron Jeremy Bowen for speaking so openly about his bowel cancer diagnosis.
"It's only by talking publicly about this disease and raising awareness that we can encourage more people to take action if they have concerns.
"Being aware of the symptoms and visiting your GP if things don't feel right can help increase chances of an early diagnosis.
"Your doctor sees people with bowel concerns every day so there is nothing to be embarrassed about. It could save your life."
