CHICAGO — When Layne Horwich discovered a lump while getting ready for bed at age 100, she didn’t panic — she acted. One year later, the Chicago woman is cancer-free at age 101, and she’s sharing her story to encourage women everywhere to stay proactive about their health, no matter their age.
“I was putting on my nightgown one night and realized there was a lump there,” Horwich said.
Her granddaughter immediately took her for a mammogram, which confirmed stage one breast cancer.
Aging Didn’t Stop Her — It Motivated Her
Horwich, who played tennis into her 90s, wasn’t about to let age keep her from taking action.
“I wanted it out,” she said. “I was so happy I didn’t have a stroke or heart attack — I would have been incapacitated.”
Her active lifestyle helped her qualify for multiple treatment options. Dr. Catherine Pesce, her oncologist and division chief of surgical oncology at Endeavor Health, said most 100-year-old patients might choose to do nothing.
“But Layne had done her own research,” said Dr. Pesce. “She didn’t want the pill option because of side effects like hair thinning — she told me she goes to the beauty parlor every week!”
Successful Surgery, No Chemo or Radiation Needed
Horwich opted for a lumpectomy, a minor surgical procedure that successfully removed the cancer. Due to her strong health and early-stage diagnosis, she did not require chemotherapy or radiation.
“For her age, she’s extraordinarily healthy. I knew she would tolerate it,” Dr. Pesce said.
The procedure went so smoothly that Horwich even joked, “I have a picture of me coming out of surgery — and it doesn’t even look like anything happened!”
A Message for Women of All Ages
Dr. Pesce emphasized that breast cancer risk increases with age, and Layne was her first patient over 100. But she hopes this story changes mindsets about aging and health screenings.
“If I think you’re going to live another five years, keep getting mammograms annually,” Pesce said.
Horwich celebrated her 101st birthday in May and recently passed her driving test. She continues to live independently, surrounded by her three daughters, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
“It’s been a long road — and in general, I’ve been pretty lucky,” she said.
Inspired by Layne’s Story?
Do you or someone in your family have an inspiring health journey? Share it with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — and remember to schedule your checkups.
