The U.S. and Europe lead mammo equipment sales globally. Image Source: www.health-fitness.com.au

Mammography is recommended as standard screening process for breast cancer globally, resulting in increased adoption, driven by the fact that one out of every eight women in industrialized countries faces the risk of being affected by breast cancer, according to a report from market research firm Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

The United States and Europe account for about 80 percent of global volume sales of mammography equipment technological innovations, such as computer-aided detection (CAD) and digital mammography, as well as emerging technologies, such as thermal mapping and optical imaging, are expected to offer positive growth prospects for the market, the report found.

Analyzing by segments, the digital mammography equipment market is estimated at $610 million for 2008. Growth in the segment is driven by numerous technological advantages that ensure improved imaging, rapid scanning and convenient usage. Although the growth of full-field digital mammography (FFDM) segment in the initial years was almost negligible, the outlook is changing due to proven usage in screening procedures, according to GIA. In the United States, the report said that FFDM market is projected to reach $677 million by 2015.

On the other hand, renewed interest in new technologies has eroded the demand for analog mammography equipment, driven by low utilization of existing installed units and low reimbursement costs. GIA projected that the analog mammography equipment market in Europe is projected to decline to $52 million by 2010.

Meanwhile, in Asia, mammography equipment sales have picked up in recent years, largely due to increasing awareness and national level programs in most countries. Australia, China and India remain the potential markets.