THEnnovate medicine for women it does not mean multiplying tests, but making better use of those that reduce illness and mortality. After the age of 50, prevention and early diagnosis become the most effective investment in health. The goal is not to “do more analyses”, but to choose the right ones at the right time, based on the most robust evidence and the person’s values. The truly innovative medicine today is precision: modulating screening based on personal history and integrating essential tests with new functional and digital indicators. Here are the pillars of modern prevention.
Every woman has a different medical history, family history, medications and lifestyle. Innovative female medicine is not about accumulating tests, but about modulating these essential tests over time. Following this scientific evidence is the most effective treatment available today.
1. Heart and metabolism: the clinical priority
There is a false myth: that the greatest danger is tumors. The reality is that after menopause the cardiovascular risk exceeds that of tumors. The drop in estrogen changes the metabolism, making the body more vulnerable.
Prevention requires constant monitoring. Periodic evaluation (e.g. every 1–5 years depending on the risk) of blood pressure, lipids and blood sugar, more frequent in the presence of risk factors or already altered values. The results allow us to estimate the risk of heart attack and stroke and to intervene on lifestyle and, if necessary, with drugs. The ESC/SIC guidelines recommend the use of risk scores (such as SCORE2) to personalize the therapy.
2. Breast and cervix: technology and accessibility
Between the ages of 50 and 69 the periodic mammography, every 2 years in NHS screening programmes, it is the test with the most solid evidence of reduction in breast cancer mortality, around 25–30% in women who participate in screening programmes. Although new technologies (tomosynthesis, artificial intelligence algorithms) improve reading, the key point is not to skip invitations or checks with the breast specialist.
For the uterine cervixthe strategy has changed radically. Since the tumor is almost always linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), in Italy, in organized programs, the HPV test is performed every 5 years between 30 and 64 years of age. The Pap test remains used mainly between the ages of 25 and 29. The innovation here is accessibility: i self-sampling test (PCR HPV) they have similar accuracy to in-office sampling and can increase compliance with screening. We remind you that in Italy self-collection is being implemented/tested in some programs, but not standard everywhere.
3. Colorectal: the best investment
From 50–69 years old (up to 74 in some regions) it is recommended screening for colorectal cancer. Large studies show a significant reduction in incidence and mortality thanks to early removal of polyps. There are two main options: the test for occult blood in stool every two yearsor the colonoscopy at longer intervals, according to individual risk and preferences.
4. Bones and muscles: functional evaluation
Menopause accelerates bone loss and increases the risk of fragility fractures. International guidelines suggest bone densitometry (MOC-DXA) at least at the age of 65, or earlier if there are risk factors such as previous fractures, prolonged use of cortisone, family history or very low weight. The combination of MOC and calculators like FRAX helps decide therapies.
Innovative medicine, however, integrates bone density with muscle function. Biomarkers such as grip strength and walking speed are now considered central in the assessment of global health, frailty and sarcopenia.
5. Digital biomarkers: health on the wrist
Innovation also comes from the data collected daily. Modern wearables (smartwatches) offer clinically relevant digital biomarkers, in particular for the screening of arrhythmias (such as silent atrial fibrillation), which are frequent after the age of 60. They are therefore a valid support for early diagnosis (always to be confirmed with ECG and clinical interpretation), supporting the “continuous dialogue” necessary to personalize prevention.
Michele Bonaccorso
Doctor Michele Bonaccorso.
The Dr. Michele Bonaccorso He is a surgeon, specialized in anesthesia and resuscitation, oxygen-ozone therapy and functional medicine.
His virtuous course of study has allowed him to be today among the most qualified exponents of functional medicinewith particular reference tooxygen-ozone therapy and to pain therapy.
He graduated with honors from LUniversity of Catania. For over 10 years he has successfully practiced oxygen-ozone therapy for the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies, in the treatment of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseasesand as a technique prevention and slowing down of aging.
He attended anti-aging medicine school AMIA (Italian Antiaging Doctors Association) directed by Dr. Galimberti. He graduated from the school ofAIMF HEALTH (Italian Association of Functional Medicine) which allowed him to become functionalist doctor. Finally, he obtained a II level Master’s degree in Pain Therapy from the University of Parma. He served as the group’s pain therapy manager Multimedical. He follows national and international conferences with interest which allow him to always stay up to date on the latest news in the field of functional medicine and anti-aging.
Doctor Nicola Marino
The Dr. Nicola Marino carries out research activities with the Swiss group Women’s Brain Foundationfor which he is a member of the advisory board, in the fields of longevity and artificial intelligence. Director of AEON Foundation and former political consultant in the field of digital health and longevity, he is the author of numerous scientific publications.
He carried out an internship at the Harvard Medical School and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute of Bostonwas a member of Scientific Committee of the Italian Association of Digital Health and Telemedicine (AISDET) and consultant for the US company Health Catalyst. He carries out scientific journalism activities for national and international media, and has been involved as an expert for CFI.co, Il Sole 24 Ore, Corriere della Sera, Millionaire, Rai1 and Sky TG24, to name a few.