I don’t believe so, Victor. Or rather, I guess it’s possible but the meaning would change. “How about” is a suggestion, and it points to one of the choices available. To me, it implies a suggested action even when it's not explicitly stated.
- What do you want to have for dinner?
- How about (getting) pizza?
- I want to take a day off tomorrow.
- Great idea! How about going to the beach?
“What about” is more of a reminder. It could refer to a problem or a solution, or just something forgotten, so it’s more often (although not always) followed by a noun or a noun phrase of some sort.
- We need to defrost the freezer.
- But what about the frozen pizza there? It'll be ruined!
- I want to take a day off tomorrow.
- But what about the X project?
- I’m really low on money. I’m not sure I can even pay the rent this month.
- What about your uncle? Maybe he could help?
- What about John? Should we invite him to the party?