Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women and its symptoms can often mimic other common conditions. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. Both of those facts are why Centegra Health System encourages women to be proactive by getting in sync with teal and pink and their yearly gynecological check-ups and screening mammograms.

Get in Sync with Teal and Pink

Dr. Leonard Hering will conduct a free physician lecture from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15 to learn more about how residents may take action against ovarian cancer. Register by calling 877-236-8347.

Women are encouraged to attend a Mammo Monday event on their own or bring their daughters, sisters and friends to a special, private setting to take control of their breast and bone health. Offerings include screening mammograms, bone density screenings, free expert bra fittings and light snacks.

Upcoming Mammo Mondays will be offered at the following locations and times:

• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1 at Centegra Gavers Breast Center
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8 at Centegra Hospital-McHenry
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15 at Centegra Health Center-Huntley
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22 at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock

In addition to Mammo Mondays, a free women’s screening event is planned for 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Centegra Gavers Breast Center in Crystal Lake. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, call 877-236-8347.

It combines cervical cancer screenings with pelvic exams, clinical breast exams and wellness exhibits, nutrition advice and video of the daVinci robotic surgery system. Centegra’s mobile health unit, Wellness on the Move, also will be present. The mobile health unit will include free blood pressure screenings, body mass index and body fat screenings and bone density screenings. Also during the event, Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center, Centegra Sage Cancer Center and more will provide information.

Women also are encouraged to learn more about F.O.R.C.E. – Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered regarding hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Centegra Health System and the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation partner all year to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer detection. The Get Checked! Program provides information about lifestyle changes and guidelines for routine screenings that can make a big difference in one’s life.

The Gavers Cancer Resource Library is also featured in Centegra Sage Cancer Center in McHenry and offers touch-screen computers, a library inventory of books, journals and booklets. Information in the library is available in English and Spanish.

Centegra Health System is recognized as being one of a few cancer programs in the state to receive the Commission on Cancer (CoC) Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Additionally, with state-of-the-art equipment and practices, the Centegra Sage Cancer Center is staffed with a team of highly specialized oncology professionals.