The global breast imaging market was valued at USD 4.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% from 2023 to 2030. Several factors contribute to the growth of this market, including the rising prevalence of breast cancer, technological advancements in breast imaging technologies, and increased investments by various organizations in breast cancer screening programs. Breast cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers among women, which directly influences the demand for breast imaging as a primary diagnostic tool.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), by 2030, the global number of breast cancer cases is expected to reach approximately 2.1 million. In line with these projections, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported in March 2021 that over 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally in 2020, and roughly 685,000 women succumbed to the disease that year. The growing incidence of breast cancer, coupled with the importance of early detection for effective treatment, underscores the critical role of breast imaging in diagnosing and managing the disease. Given this context, the demand for breast imaging services is expected to significantly grow in the coming years, driven by the need for more accurate, reliable, and accessible diagnostic solutions.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Breast Imaging Market

End-Use Insights

In 2022, hospitals dominated the end-use segment of the breast imaging market, accounting for around 42.2% of the total revenue. This dominance is attributed to the presence of advanced and well-equipped breast imaging facilities within hospitals, which contribute positively to a variety of factors, including the duration of hospital stays, overall healthcare costs, quality of care, and availability of emergency care services. Hospitals are critical providers of comprehensive healthcare services, and the inclusion of state-of-the-art breast imaging technology in these facilities enhances their ability to diagnose and treat breast cancer more efficiently.

For example, in September 2019, Parkside Hospital in Wimbledon installed a 3D mammography system from Hologic, a move that enabled the hospital to offer high-resolution breast tomosynthesis—a cutting-edge breast imaging technique. As investments in healthcare infrastructure continue to rise globally, this trend is expected to positively impact the growth of the breast imaging market in the coming years. These investments allow hospitals to procure more advanced diagnostic equipment, improve their service offerings, and provide higher-quality healthcare. This is particularly important as the demand for accurate and early breast cancer detection continues to grow.

However, it’s worth noting that large hospitals often face challenges when it comes to maintaining in-house breast imaging facilities. The high cost of equipment, frequent maintenance needs, space constraints, and the demand for skilled professionals to operate imaging systems can create barriers for hospitals looking to provide these services. These factors can result in financial strain, especially for smaller or less well-funded institutions. To mitigate these challenges, hospitals are increasingly partnering with diagnostic imaging centers to expand the availability of breast imaging services. This collaboration helps hospitals manage costs, optimize resources, and increase their outreach to a broader patient population.

The diagnostic imaging centers segment is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. This is largely due to the increased awareness of breast cancer and the growing demand for breast imaging procedures used for early diagnosis, treatment planning, and disease prevention. As more people become aware of the importance of breast cancer screening, the demand for accessible and affordable breast imaging services has surged. Diagnostic imaging centers provide a viable alternative to hospitals, offering specialized diagnostic services in more localized settings, which are often more convenient and less costly.

In both developed and developing economies, countries such as the U.S., Germany, the U.K., Japan, China, and India are witnessing an increasing number of advanced breast imaging services being made available at diagnostic centers. This expansion is expected to further fuel the growth of the segment. By offering more accessible and convenient screening options, these centers are likely to play a pivotal role in the early detection and management of breast cancer, which will continue to drive demand for advanced imaging technologies.

Order a free sample PDF of the Breast Imaging Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.