Can't really add anything to the tip-top advice dished out already, except that my friend's uncle (he is mid-40s) was recently treated for bowel cancer, and as it was caught early they managed to get all of the cancer, and is living an almost normal life now. He has got a colostomy bag, but it is a small price to pay for still being on this planet, and I am sure that in about 12-18 months time he will have another operation that will reconstruct his bowel (or something like) to allow him to ditch the 'bag.

My Grandma's neighbour, who is in her 60s, has also recently been treated, and the outcome was much the same as above.

Both are doing well.