Modest growth projected for U.S. breast imaging market

The U.S. breast imaging systems market will see modest growth over the next three years, going from $1 billion in 2011 to $1.4 billion in 2016, according to market research firm Frost & Sullivan.

The anticipated growth is due to increasing revenues in the x-ray mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and molecular breast imaging market segments, Frost & Sullivan said.

Fewer breast imaging facilities in the U.S., as well as continued debate surrounding breast cancer screening, has suppressed growth in the market, according to the report. In fact, the number of U.S. breast imaging facilities declined by nearly 7% from 2002 to 2011, resulting in an even greater decline in the mammography system installed base, the company said.