Jeana Keough of RHOC diagnosed with tongue cancer at 70
Original Real Housewives of Orange County cast member Jeana Keough, 70, has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, her daughter revealed. The cancer news comes as Keough undergoes chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy after the disease spread to her lymph nodes.
Key Takeaways
- Jeana Keough, an original RHOC cast member, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue at age 70.
- Her daughter, Kara Bosworth, shared the update in a $50,000 GoFundMe launched July 19, 2026.
- After surgery, doctors found the cancer had spread; Keough is in her fifth week of chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy.
- Costar Tamra Judge urged fans to donate; the fundraiser raised nearly $42,000 in under 24 hours.
The diagnosis was detailed by Bosworth, 37, on a GoFundMe created to help cover treatment and living costs while her mother recovers. According to USA Today, Keough first noticed a painful spot on her tongue during a visit with Bosworth and her brother Shane in Florida.
She initially thought a tooth was rubbing the area and had the tooth filed down at the dentist more than once. Bosworth wrote that Keough later recalled having the pain for nearly a year before a biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
What treatment is Jeana Keough receiving right now?
Keough had surgery to remove the cancer and hoped the hardest phase was over. Doctors then recommended a second surgery to remove lymph nodes and discovered the cancer had spread.
She is now in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Bosworth described the treatments as "relentless," saying her mother feels exhausted, struggles to stay awake, and cannot eat easily because of tongue and throat pain.
"Every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment," Bosworth wrote. The family said Keough, who works as a realtor, has been unable to work, creating an "enormous financial burden."
How are fans and RHOC costars responding?
Longtime Orange County star Tamra Judge posted on Instagram on Sunday, collaborating with Keough to encourage support for the fundraiser. "We love you, Momma Jeana," Judge wrote alongside a photo of herself, Quinn Fry, Tammy Knickerbocker, and Keough.
Judge asked followers to donate via the GoFundMe link in her story and bio, saying every gift helps. The campaign had received nearly $42,000 of its $50,000 goal in less than 24 hours, with funds earmarked for expenses, everyday living costs, nutrition, and extra support.
For more celebrity breaking news, BlasterPost is tracking related updates as they develop.
Why does this RHOC cancer news matter to viewers?
Keough starred in Seasons 1 through 5 of The Real Housewives of Orange County from 2006 to 2012 and later returned as a friend and guest. A former actress, model, and music video star, she also served as narrator for the series in Season 15.
Bosworth said she and her brother felt "helpless" supporting from afar and now see how much ongoing help their mother needs. "Most of all, your generosity will remind her that she is not fighting this battle alone," she wrote. USA TODAY said it had reached out to Keough for comment.