Revista Científica Vale · Oct 26, 2026
Healthy female aging: health promotion, prevention of cancers in women, and comprehensive care for women during menopause
By Ribeiro SM, Borba FDL, Machado GMDO et al.
Female aging is accompanied by physiological, hormonal, metabolic, and psychosocial changes that may affect quality of life and modify the risk profile for chronic diseases. In this process, the menopausal transition constitutes an important period in the life course, characterized by a progressive decline in ovarian function and manifestations that may include vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, mood changes, urogenital changes, metabolic changes, and effects on cardiovascular and bone health. At the same time, greater female longevity increases the importance of strategies for the prevention, screening, and early diagnosis of neoplasms, especially breast and cervical cancers. The objective of this study was to analyze strategies to promote healthy female aging, with an emphasis on quality of life during menopause, prevention of chronic diseases and cancers in women, and organization of comprehensive care for women. This is a qualitative, descriptive narrative literature review, based primarily on recent Brazilian scientific publications, national guidelines, and updated institutional documents. The literature analyzed demonstrates that care for women during menopause should go beyond an approach focused exclusively on symptom control, incorporating cardiovascular assessment, encouragement of physical activity, adequate nutrition, sexual health, mental health, osteoporosis prevention, gynecological follow-up, and cancer screening according to current protocols. The Brazilian Guideline on Menopausal Cardiovascular Health – 2024 highlights the importance of individualized cardiovascular risk assessment and consideration of the timing of hormone therapy initiation, when indicated. In oncology, estimates from the National Cancer Institute for 2026–2028 indicate that breast cancer is the most common neoplasm among women, while cervical cancer remains among the leading tumors in women and is strongly associated with inequalities in access to prevention. The Brazilian update to cervical screening incorporated molecular testing for the detection of oncogenic DNA-HPV as the primary strategy. It is concluded that healthy female aging requires longitudinal, preventive, and multiprofessional care, grounded in scientific evidence and coordinated with primary care, valuing women's autonomy, quality of life, and active participation in decisions related to their own health.