Jeana Keough’s harrowing struggle with tongue cancer is making headlines, and, surprise surprise, the mainstream media is stumbling over itself to package her suffering for clicks. “The Real Housewives of Orange County” alum’s daughter, Kara Bosworth, informs the world of her mother’s battle, but let’s not forget the sensationalizing muzzles of outlets like TMZ and Entertainment Tonight that love to exploit personal tragedies for profit.

Where’s the critical analysis on the realities of cancer treatment? Instead of amplifying the raw, human connection, networks like CNN and NBC choose to drip-feed us sob stories, minimizing the complex implications of health care and treatment options. This is a clear example of corporate media’s tendency to divert attention from pressing issues—like the massive healthcare costs and access disparities that plague ordinary Americans—by sprinkling in some ‘celebrity’ drama to keep us distracted.

It’s almost as if they want to keep us entertained while ignoring the very real crises happening within our healthcare system. Do they really care about Jeana Keough? Or is she just a convenient headline to pad their reporting while allowing them to sidestep the important discussions we should be having?

Let’s hold the media accountable for their portrayal of personal struggles—because behind those tragic headlines are real people who deserve more than to be a footnote in a sensationalist agenda.