RHOC's Jeana Keough diagnosed with tongue cancer at 70
Want to tell more about Jeana Keough? The Real Housewives of Orange County original cast member, 70, has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, her daughter confirmed. She is in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy after the cancer spread beyond an initial surgery.
Key Takeaways
- Jeana Keough, 70, an original RHOC cast member, has tongue cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).
- Her daughter, Kara Bosworth, shared the news via a GoFundMe for treatment costs.
- After two surgeries, doctors found the cancer had spread; she is in week five of chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy.
- Keough starred in the first five seasons of Bravo's The Real Housewives of Orange County (2006–2010).
What happened with Jeana Keough's diagnosis?
According to Deadline, Kara Bosworth said her mother first mentioned a painful spot on her tongue while visiting Florida a few months ago. Keough thought a tooth was rubbing the area and had it filed down at the dentist more than once.
Page Six reported that when Kara asked how long the sore had been there, Keough realized it had been nearly a year. A biopsy then confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
Surgeons removed the cancer, then recommended a second operation to remove lymph nodes. During that process, doctors discovered the disease had spread—turning what the family hoped would be one surgery into an ongoing cancer fight.
How is Jeana Keough doing in treatment right now?
Bosworth said Keough is in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The treatments are relentless: she is exhausted, struggles to stay awake, and is becoming malnourished because pain in her tongue and throat makes even small bites or sips hard to swallow.
Unable to work her commission-based job, Keough faces a heavy financial burden. Kara, who lives in Florida with her partner and young children, said she and her brothers Shane and Colton want their mom supported through treatment. She has been in Orange County seeing the day-to-day challenges firsthand.
The family's GoFundMe aims to cover expenses, living costs, nutrition, and extra support during care, with a reported $22,000 goal.
Who is Jeana Keough on Real Housewives of Orange County?
Keough was among the original stars when Bravo's The Real Housewives of Orange County premiered in 2006. She appeared for the first five seasons and has returned for guest appearances over the years.
Deadline noted she is featured in the premiere of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, marking the franchise's 20th anniversary. Fans following celebrity breaking news will recognize her as one of the show's foundational voices from Orange County.
Her daughter's public update has drawn fresh attention to the alum's health battle and the practical costs of long-term cancer care.