“I wanted it out”: Layne Horwich defies age, undergoes breast cancer surgery at 100

When Layne Horwich discovered a lump on her breast while getting ready for bed, the then-100-year-old didn’t panic. She acted. That swift response led to a diagnosis of stage one breast cancer and, ultimately, a successful surgery that’s inspiring women across generations.

“I was putting on my nightgown one night and realized there was a lump there,” Horwich recalled.

It was her granddaughter who took her for a mammogram, where doctors confirmed the early-stage breast cancer. But despite her age, Horwich made her decision clear.

“I wanted it out,” she said. “I was so happy I didn’t have a stroke or a heart attack because I would have been incapacitated.”

A life of activity and independence

Horwich, now 101, credits her remarkable health to staying active and a little bit of luck.

“I did play tennis until I was 92, and I think that was good. I was active,” she told NBC Chicago.

Her active lifestyle played a pivotal role in her treatment options. Dr. Catherine Pesce, division chief for surgical oncology at Endeavor Health, said Horwich’s physical health gave her choices rarely available to centenarians.

“Many 100-year-olds would probably choose to do nothing, and we talked about that as an option,” said Pesce. “Another option was to take a medication called endocrine therapy. It’s a pill form of medication, which can help slow the growth of breast cancer. The third option was surgery.”

But Horwich had already done her homework, and had her priorities straight.

“She had done her own research and learned that the pill form of the medication could cause hair thinning, and she told me by no means did she want that because she went to the beauty parlor every week,” Pesce said with a smile.

A smooth surgery and a strong recovery

Horwich ultimately chose a lumpectomy, a minimally invasive surgery to remove the tumor, and emerged from it with no need for chemotherapy or radiation.

“For her age, she is so extraordinarily healthy. I knew she would tolerate a relatively minor surgery,” said Pesce.

“I have a picture of me coming out after the surgery, and it’s really funny because it doesn’t look like anything happened,” Horwich said.

A rare case with a powerful message

While breast cancer risk increases with age, Dr. Pesce noted that Horwich was her first patient over 100 to undergo surgery.

“I hope women will see this story about her and learn it’s okay to continue being proactive about your health,” Pesce said. “In general, my advice is if I think you’re going to live another five years, keep getting mammograms annually.”

Horwich celebrated her 101st birthday in May and recently passed her driving test. She continues to live independently and cherishes time with her large and loving family — three daughters, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

“It’s been a long road, and in general, I’ve been pretty lucky,” she said.

Now, she hopes her journey will encourage other women, no matter their age, to prioritize their health and not fear asking questions or seeking treatment.

“Being proactive made all the difference,” Horwich said.

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