Very sad news. I'm the same age, and lost my mom to the same type of cancer in the late '90s; she was only 45. This is why I highly recommend getting a colonoscopy if there is a history of colon/colorectal cancer in your family... had my first "scope" in my early thirties, and the most recent one was three years ago.

A contract engineer I used to work with was a co-worker of one of the main techs at CTV Ottawa (CHRO & CJOH), and colorectal cancer runs rampant in the tech's family, so he has to go for a colonoscopy every year. The "prep" (guzzling all the polyethylene glycol solution to clear out your insides) and liquid diet are the hardest part of the whole experience, but you're rewarded with a nice nap during the procedure, when they knock you out with propofol sedation.

Sad news, always enjoyed his upbeat presentation on air.