Regions such as China, Latin America, and Southeast Asia are driving demand for mammography, and shipments are predicted to increase by almost 60% by 2016, InMedica said. While investment in women's healthcare equipment in emerging regions has traditionally been poor, economic prosperity and increased education and awareness of breast cancer in the past 10 years have driven demand, according to the firm.

However, despite annual growth forecasts in emerging regions of 8% to 10% from 2012 to 2016, full access to mammography services will take far longer to achieve, said senior analyst Stephen Holloway.

In contrast to the fast-growing emerging markets, mammography markets in developed countries are reaching saturation, as a large proportion of sites are already using flat-panel digital mammography equipment. The use and awareness of these services, though, is dogged by confusing, contradictory clinical studies and the lack of one clear mammography technology advance, according to the report.

For example, digital breast tomosynthesis, compound-viewing tools, and contrast-enhancement technology have all been developed in the past few years, yet no technology has emerged as a clear industry standard, InMedica said. A lack of clarity on the issue of breast density is also adding to the confusion, according to the firm.

Along with challenging economic conditions, these factors are preventing healthcare providers from taking risks in investing in new high-tech equipment. Longer term, the days of x-ray-based mammography may also be numbered, InMedica said. Modalities such as MRI and ultrasound are increasingly being used, and concern is intensifying over radiation dose.

As a result, emerging sectors offer the greatest short- and long-term opportunities for mammography market growth, according to the report.