A friend's child was just diagnosed with colorectal cancer, is that a serious condition?

YES: Yes, it is a serious disease. Most common type is adenocarcinoma. Treatment will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. See your doctor and have a detail discussion on this. For more info- www.Nccn.Com , re- patient resource. Consider genetic evaluation if age is 40 or younger and/or if strong family history of cancer to rule out hereditary syndrome -i.e. Fap/hnpcc etc.

Colorectal cancer: How old is this "child"? Over all the diagnosis is very serious and needs to be closely followed up with their doctors.

Yes: see colorectal: Yes. I advise having him/her seen by a colorectal surgeon, who is a specialist in diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancers. He or she will also take a family history to assess the risk of other family members. Most colorectal cancers are curable when diagnosed early; most do not require a permanent colostomy. Good luck to your friend and her child.