Jeana Keough Reveals Tongue Cancer Diagnosis at 70: Why Oral Cancer Risk Increases With Age

Former Real Housewives of Orange County star Jeana Keough is facing one of the most difficult challenges of her life after being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. The news, shared publicly by her daughter Kara Keough, has drawn an outpouring of support from fans while shining a spotlight on a disease that often goes unnoticed until it has reached an advanced stage.

Tongue cancer is one of several forms of oral cancer, and although it can affect adults of any age, the risk rises significantly as people get older. Many early symptoms are subtle and easy to dismiss, causing some individuals to delay seeking medical attention. Jeana’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that a persistent sore, pain, or unusual change inside the mouth should never be ignored.

According to Kara’s public statement, what initially seemed like a minor irritation ultimately turned into a diagnosis that required multiple surgeries and ongoing cancer treatment. The family’s openness about Jeana’s health journey has also helped raise awareness about the importance of recognizing oral cancer symptoms early and seeking prompt medical evaluation.

In this article, we’ll explore Jeana Keough’s diagnosis, what squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is, why oral cancer becomes more common with age, and what everyone should know about early detection and treatment.

The heartbreaking news about Jeana Keough’s health was revealed by her daughter, Kara Keough, through a GoFundMe campaign created to help cover the financial challenges associated with treatment.

Kara explained that several months earlier, while visiting her family in Florida, Jeana casually mentioned a painful spot on her tongue. At first, the former reality television personality believed that one of her teeth had been rubbing against the area.

Because of that assumption, she reportedly visited her dentist multiple times to have the tooth adjusted. Like many people experiencing persistent oral discomfort, Jeana believed the irritation would eventually heal on its own.

However, Kara became concerned after asking her mother how long the sore had actually been present.

After thinking carefully, Jeana realized the painful area had remained on her tongue for nearly an entire year.

That realization prompted further medical evaluation.

A biopsy later confirmed the family’s worst fear.

Jeana had developed squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, the most common type of oral cancer.

One of the most striking aspects of Jeana’s story is how ordinary her symptoms initially appeared.

Many people occasionally experience mouth ulcers, irritation from dental work, accidental bites, or discomfort caused by sharp teeth. Because these issues are common, it’s understandable why someone might assume a sore tongue is nothing serious.

Unfortunately, oral cancers frequently begin with symptoms that resemble far less dangerous conditions.

Unlike a typical mouth ulcer, cancer-related sores usually fail to heal within two weeks. Instead, they may gradually become larger, more painful, or develop changes in appearance over time.

Health professionals consistently recommend that any sore inside the mouth lasting longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a dentist, oral surgeon, or physician.

Jeana’s experience highlights exactly why this recommendation exists.

Although she sought dental care multiple times, the underlying cause wasn’t discovered until additional medical testing—including a biopsy—was performed.

Following her diagnosis, Jeana underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from her tongue.

She later required another operation to remove nearby lymph nodes as physicians evaluated whether the disease had spread beyond its original location.

Unfortunately, Kara shared that doctors discovered cancer cells had indeed spread, transforming what the family initially hoped would be a straightforward surgical procedure into a much more extensive cancer battle.

As a result, Jeana began an intensive treatment plan combining:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy

Using several treatment approaches together is common when cancers have spread beyond their original location or when physicians want to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Each therapy works differently.

Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy rapidly growing cancer cells throughout the body.

Radiation therapy delivers precisely targeted high-energy beams to kill cancer cells located in specific areas.

Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer more effectively.

Together, these treatments offer many patients their best opportunity for controlling advanced disease, although they often come with challenging side effects.

Kara’s public statement paints a vivid picture of how demanding tongue cancer treatment can be.

She explained that her mother had entered her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy and was experiencing profound exhaustion.

The treatments were taking an enormous physical toll.

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges has been eating and drinking.

According to Kara, pain affecting Jeana’s tongue and throat has made swallowing even the smallest bites of food or sips of water incredibly difficult.

This is one of the most common complications associated with treatment for cancers involving the mouth and throat.

Radiation therapy, while highly effective at targeting cancer cells, can also inflame healthy tissues inside the mouth.

Patients frequently develop painful mouth sores, swelling, dry mouth, altered taste, and difficulty swallowing.

As food intake decreases, maintaining adequate nutrition becomes increasingly difficult.

Proper nutrition, however, is essential because the body requires calories, protein, fluids, vitamins, and minerals to heal after surgery and tolerate ongoing treatment.

For many oral cancer patients, nutritional support becomes just as important as chemotherapy or radiation itself.

Dietitians specializing in oncology often recommend high-calorie nutritional drinks, softer foods, frequent small meals, and hydration strategies tailored to each patient’s needs.

In more severe cases, temporary feeding tubes may be considered to ensure patients receive enough nourishment while treatment continues.

Beyond the physical effects, Kara also described the financial realities her mother now faces.

Jeana works in a commission-based profession, meaning her income depends directly on her ability to work.

Because intensive cancer treatment leaves her physically exhausted and unable to maintain her normal schedule, her income has reportedly declined dramatically.

This challenge is unfortunately familiar to many families facing cancer.

Medical appointments, surgeries, treatment sessions, medications, transportation, nutritional supplements, and time away from work often create significant financial strain alongside the emotional burden of the illness.

Kara also shared how difficult it has been for her and her husband, Kyle Bosworth, to provide day-to-day assistance because they live across the country while raising three young children.

During a recent visit to Orange County, however, Kara said seeing her mother’s condition firsthand made her realize just how much ongoing support would be needed throughout the remainder of treatment.

She explained that she and her brothers want to ensure their mother feels “cared for, loved, and supported throughout this fight.”

Their message reflects an important truth about cancer care: emotional support from family and friends can make a meaningful difference during long and demanding treatment journeys.

Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 90% of cancers that develop inside the mouth. It begins in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the tongue, lips, gums, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat.

The tongue itself is divided into two main sections.

The front two-thirds is known as the oral tongue, while the back third forms part of the throat, or oropharynx.

Cancer can develop in either location, but each may differ in its causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

Squamous cell carcinoma often begins as abnormal cells that gradually become cancerous over time. If detected early, treatment outcomes are generally much more favorable. However, once the cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, treatment becomes more complex and recovery can be significantly more challenging.

One of the reasons this type of cancer can be difficult to detect is that early symptoms may appear mild. A persistent sore, small lump, patch of discoloration, or slight discomfort while eating may not seem alarming at first. As a result, some people delay seeking medical attention, allowing the disease to progress before it is diagnosed.

For this reason, healthcare professionals encourage anyone with a mouth sore, tongue pain, unexplained bleeding, or changes in speech or swallowing lasting more than two weeks to seek prompt evaluation. Early diagnosis remains one of the most effective ways to improve treatment outcomes.

Although tongue cancer can develop at any age, medical experts have long observed that the risk increases significantly in older adults. Most cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in people over the age of 55, with many patients receiving their diagnosis in their 60s or 70s.

Several factors contribute to this increased risk.

One of the primary reasons cancer becomes more common with age is cumulative exposure. Over decades, the cells lining the mouth and tongue are repeatedly exposed to environmental factors that can damage DNA.

For some people, these exposures include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure affecting the lips, or infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Even individuals who have quit smoking years earlier may still carry an elevated risk because the effects of long-term tobacco exposure can persist.

However, it’s important to remember that not everyone diagnosed with tongue cancer has these traditional risk factors. Some patients develop the disease despite never smoking or drinking heavily, highlighting the importance of paying attention to symptoms regardless of personal history.

As people age, the body’s ability to repair damaged cells gradually declines. The immune system also becomes less efficient at detecting and eliminating abnormal cells before they develop into cancer.

Over time, genetic mutations accumulate naturally within cells. While most of these changes never become dangerous, some may eventually lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which is the hallmark of cancer.

These age-related biological changes help explain why many cancers—including oral cancer—are diagnosed more frequently later in life.

Another factor contributing to later-stage diagnoses is that older adults may attribute oral discomfort to more common age-related issues.

A sore tongue might be blamed on dentures, dental work, accidental bites, or spicy foods. Because these explanations seem reasonable, people may wait months before seeking additional medical evaluation if symptoms persist.

Jeana Keough’s experience reflects how easily this can happen. According to Kara Keough’s public statement, what initially appeared to be irritation from a tooth eventually proved to be something far more serious after a biopsy confirmed squamous cell carcinoma.

Tongue cancer often develops gradually, and its earliest signs can resemble relatively minor oral conditions. Nevertheless, recognizing these symptoms early can lead to quicker diagnosis and more successful treatment.

Some of the most common warning signs include:

• A sore on the tongue that does not heal within two weeks
• Persistent tongue pain
• A lump or thickened area on the tongue
• White or red patches inside the mouth
• Pain while chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving the tongue
• Changes in speech
• Numbness inside the mouth
• Ear pain without an obvious ear infection
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Unexplained bleeding from the mouth
• Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene

These symptoms do not automatically mean someone has cancer. Many can also result from infections, trauma, or other non-cancerous conditions. However, any persistent symptom should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than ignored.

Diagnosing tongue cancer usually begins with a thorough examination of the mouth, tongue, throat, and neck.

A healthcare provider may look for ulcers, unusual patches, swelling, or areas of abnormal tissue. If anything appears suspicious, additional testing is recommended.

The most important diagnostic test is a biopsy.

During this procedure, a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

A biopsy is the only way to definitively determine whether abnormal cells are cancerous.

In Jeana Keough’s case, Kara explained that it was the biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma.

Once cancer has been confirmed, physicians typically perform imaging studies to determine the extent of the disease.

These may include:

• CT scans
• MRI scans
• PET scans
• Ultrasound examinations

These imaging techniques help doctors determine whether the cancer has spread into nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Knowing the cancer’s stage allows specialists to develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment depends on several factors, including:

• The size of the tumor
• Whether cancer has spread
• The patient’s overall health
• Age
• The specific location of the tumor

Many patients receive one treatment, while others require a combination of therapies.

Surgery is often the first step for cancers detected in the tongue.

The surgeon removes the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to reduce the chance of leaving cancer cells behind.

If cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, surgeons may also remove affected lymph nodes from the neck.

According to Kara Keough, Jeana underwent surgery to remove the cancer followed by another procedure involving lymph node removal.

Radiation therapy uses focused high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.

It may be used after surgery to eliminate remaining microscopic cancer cells or as the primary treatment for certain patients.

Common side effects include:

• Mouth sores
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fatigue
• Taste changes

These effects can temporarily impact quality of life but are carefully managed by oncology teams.

Chemotherapy circulates through the bloodstream, targeting rapidly growing cancer cells throughout the body.

It is frequently combined with radiation therapy for more advanced cancers or when lymph nodes are involved.

Patients often receive chemotherapy in cycles, allowing time for healthy cells to recover between treatments.

Immunotherapy represents one of the newer advances in cancer care.

Rather than directly attacking cancer cells, these medications help the immune system recognize and destroy them more effectively.

For some patients with advanced or recurrent head and neck cancers, immunotherapy has significantly improved treatment options.

Kara shared that Jeana’s current treatment includes immunotherapy alongside chemotherapy and radiation.

One of the greatest challenges for tongue cancer patients is maintaining adequate nutrition.

Pain inside the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and changes in taste often make eating extremely difficult.

This can lead to:

• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Muscle loss
• Fatigue
• Poor wound healing

Cancer specialists often recommend working closely with registered dietitians to develop meal plans that maximize calories and protein while minimizing discomfort.

Smoothies, soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed vegetables, and nutritional supplements are frequently recommended because they are easier to swallow than solid foods.

Proper hydration is equally important, particularly during radiation therapy.

Cancer affects far more than physical health.

Patients often experience anxiety, uncertainty, sadness, frustration, and fear while adjusting to life during treatment.

Family members also experience emotional stress as they balance caregiving responsibilities, work, and everyday life.

Kara’s message emphasizes how deeply cancer impacts an entire family. Although she lives across the country with her own young children, she expressed how difficult it has been to watch her mother face treatment from afar. Visiting Jeana in Orange County reinforced just how much daily support was needed, and she shared that she and her brothers are committed to making sure their mother feels cared for throughout her treatment journey.

Support from loved ones, healthcare providers, counselors, and cancer support groups can play a valuable role in helping patients navigate the emotional challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

While not every case can be prevented, experts recommend several steps that may reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.

These include avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, practicing good oral hygiene, protecting against HPV through vaccination when appropriate, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and scheduling regular dental checkups. Dentists often detect suspicious changes in the mouth before symptoms become severe, making routine examinations an important part of early detection.

Perhaps the most important takeaway is to never ignore a sore, lump, or patch inside the mouth that lasts longer than two weeks. Prompt evaluation can make a significant difference in diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Jeana Keough’s diagnosis has brought renewed attention to tongue cancer, a disease that often begins with symptoms many people would consider minor. Her family’s willingness to share her journey offers an important reminder that persistent changes in the mouth deserve medical attention, even when they seem harmless at first.

According to Kara Keough, what began as a painful spot that was thought to be caused by a tooth ultimately became a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma requiring surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Their openness about the physical, emotional, and financial realities of cancer treatment has resonated with many supporters and has encouraged greater awareness of oral cancer.

Although the road ahead may be challenging, advances in surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care continue to improve outcomes for many patients. Early detection remains one of the strongest factors influencing successful treatment, making awareness of symptoms more important than ever.

For anyone experiencing a persistent sore, unexplained pain, difficulty swallowing, or other unusual changes in the mouth, seeking prompt evaluation from a healthcare professional is a critical step. Jeana Keough’s story serves as a powerful reminder that listening to your body and acting early can make all the difference.

According to her daughter Kara Keough’s public statement, Jeana was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, the most common type of oral cancer.

Yes. The risk of tongue and other oral cancers increases with age, with many cases diagnosed in people over the age of 55.

Early symptoms may include a sore that does not heal, persistent tongue pain, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, or a lump on the tongue.

When detected early, tongue cancer is often easier to treat and is associated with better outcomes. Delayed diagnosis may allow the disease to spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.