Market Analysis: Mammography

Mammography uses X-ray to help identify potentially cancerous legions in breast tissue. The market for mammography equipment is growing, as awareness of the benefits of regular screening continues to increase.

In the X-ray market overall, both digital and traditional systems will contribute to sustained market growth worldwide in the next several years, according to health care market researcher Kalorama Information. Despite years of availability, digital X-ray systems – including those used for mammography – currently make up only 30 percent of the worldwide radiography market. System upgrades and continued placement of computed tomography (CT) and mammography systems in the developed world, as well as traditional systems in the developing world, have pushed the X-ray market to nearly $6 billion.

According to Kalorama’s study, X-Ray Markets: 2011Ó, sales of digital mammography technology have surpassed film-based mammography in recent years. That trend, coupled with the promotion of annual breast exams for women, fuel mammography system sales in the U.S. The American Cancer Society reported 740,000 cases of cancer in 2010. Of those cases, nearly 28 percent were breast cancer. Approximately 600,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in the developed world, Kalorama reports. Most are confirmed by mammography, followed by a breast biopsy performed under X-ray guidance.

Kalorama’s numbers indicate that the world market for traditional mammography systems earned 600 million in revenues in 2011 and is expected to earn 648 million in 2015, while digital mammography earned 770 million in 2011 and is expected to earn 935 million in 2015.

While the advantages of digitalelimination of film cost and chemical usage; instant, sharper imaging; simplified image sharing over networks; and easier storage, among others, certainly point to increased usage and growth in X-ray market share, digital modalities will not completely eliminate the need for film-based systems, particularly in developing countries and for specific conditions. However, as picture archiving and communications systems (PACs) continue to penetrate institutions, the switch to digital will accelerate.

Mammography, intended as an early cancer screening tool, uses low-energy X-rays to detect breast abnormalities. Other modalities, such as ultrasound, positron emission mammography and magnetic resonance imaging, are adjunct tools that are commonly used for further evaluation.

Breast tissue is difficult to image. Detection of potentially cancerous tissue requires high resolution, but the extent of exposure to X-rays must be kept as low as possible to prevent possible side effects through regular screening,Ó according to Kalorama’s X-ray report. Digital mammography uses significantly lower doses, and computer-aided detection (CAD) software aids in pinpointing potentially cancerous tissue densities. As a reaction to market growth and demand, many digital X-ray product manufacturers have focused their efforts on mammography.