Breast-detection market to grow 17% in 2002

Nov 13, 2002

The U.S. market for breast-disease detection and diagnostic technology will reach $590 million in sales in 2002, up 17% from the $506 million recorded in 2001, according to a report issued by market research firm Medtech Insight. Breast biopsy will continue to represent the largest segment in product sales for open and percutaneous procedures, generating $180.3 million in sales in 2002.

The second largest segment, conventional mammography, will produce $107.5 million in product sales, with pharmacogenetic and prognostic testing to reach almost $96 million, according to the Tustin, CA-based firm. In its report, U.S. Markets for Breast Disease Detection and Diagnostic Technologies, 2001-2011, Medtech said that breast disease will increase as the over-40 U.S. population spikes by 10 million people from 2002 to 2006.

Technology improvements, such as digital mammography and computer-aided detection, will result in earlier identification of more breast cancers and suspicious lesions; this dynamic will affect the entire array of post-screening medical interventions, said Medtech president and CEO Sharon O'Reilly.

Medtech also predicts a growing role for early-detection technologies such as 3-D ultrasound and thermography. Electrical impedance breast-imaging systems will climb to almost $130 million in sales over the next decade, O'Reilly said. In addition, emerging prognostic/pharmacogenetic testing approaches may soon help direct physicians to the most effective therapy for each woman, she said.

By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
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