Global mammo market expected to reach $610M by 2018

The global mammography equipment market is expected to reach $610 million (467 million euros) by 2018, according to a new report.

Market research firm Global Industry Analysts (GIA) said the rise is being driven by breast cancer awareness, implementation of breast cancer screening programs worldwide, and continued conversion from analog to digital mammography equipment.

Sluggish implementation of screening programs in Europe, economic factors, and budgetary constraints have held back growth in the digital mammography market in the region. Asia-Pacific is forecast to emerge as the fastest-growing market, with sales projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10% over the analysis period.

Digital mammography is a relatively new technology in Asia. Efforts by nongovernment organizations and governments in various Asian countries to promote breast health screening and cancer awareness programs are creating considerable demand for quicker and better mammography services, GIA said. The trend is expected to create significant demand for mammography equipment in the future.

Breast tomosynthesis has yet to witness rapid growth in adoption and is constrained by the lack of reimbursement in major markets such as the U.S. However, with reimbursement for breast tomosynthesis procedures in the U.S. expected to be established in the near term and positive preliminary data from clinical studies, demand for breast tomosynthesis systems is expected to surge.