Former 'Top Chef' Contestant Shirley Chung Is Battling Tongue Cancer

Earlier this month, we wrote about Naomi Pomeroy, a Top Chef Masters chef who died in a tragic tubing accident in Oregon. Now we are learning that another Top Chef alum is facing difficult circumstances.

After experiencing a number of dental issues, ulcers erupted in the mouth of Shirley Chung, 47, a Top Chef contestant in seasons 11 (where she finished third) and 14 (where she finished second) of the series. An oral surgeon subsequently discovered a tumor under her tongue, and Chung was diagnosed with Stage 4 tongue cancer. The cancer has spread to her lymph nodes.

Chung was given two options. She could take the safer route and have her entire tongue removed. Given the importance of her tongue to her profession and identity, however, Chung decided to attempt to get rid of the cancer with radiation and chemotherapy, having seen one “unicorn case,” where another chef was able to treat it successfully in that manner.

She has completed six weeks of chemotherapy and reports that the tumor is shrinking, her speech has improved, and she can eat most normal foods now. She is hoping to be “reborn” in 2025. She was obviously emotional days ago when she had her head shaved, but her Instagram post received a number of positive comments from fellow chefs and Top Chef contestants.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shirley Chung (@chfshirleychung)