The North American x-ray mammography markets are receiving renewed impetus from launch of several new digital mammography technologies. These include computed radiography (CR) mammography, flat-panel mammography, both considered full-field digital mammography (FFDM) techniques. These technologies are fast overcoming apprehensions regarding their diagnostic quality in the medical imaging community, and rapidly progressing in health care as preferred imaging tools. Their ability to increase patient throughput, combined with suggested increased breast cancer detection rates, promises several new lucrative market opportunities for industry participants.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.medicalimaging.frost.com), North American X-Ray Mammography Markets, reveals that revenues in this market totaled $380.9 million in 2006, and is likely to reach $563.5 million in 2013.
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“Mammography vendors are increasingly investing in innovative technologies to improve the diagnostic benefits to patients and reduce future morbidity,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst A.J. Ajibade. “This is driving demand for digital mammography, which offers improved cancer detection in certain populations of women coupled with the increased workflow benefits.”
FFDM technologies, in particular, are driving the strong growth of the North American x-ray mammography markets, with their United States installed base increasing from 3.3 percent in November 2003 to 13.8 percent in October 2006. This correlates with the total number of FFDM units which has significantly increased from 339 units in November 2003 to 1,311 units in October 2006. The number of newly installed FFDM units every month increased steadily by 333 percent from December 2003 to February 2006 and in the eight-month period from February 2006 to October 206, monthly installed units increased by 368 percent.
Additionally, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), or 3D mammography, is an emerging technology that could potentially increase the revenues of the x-ray mammography markets. Industry participants speculate that the DBT technology may receive the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval by 2008.
However, sustained market penetration may be at risk because of a high incidence of malpractice litigation due to incorrect breast mammogram interpretation, and low reimbursement rates. There is also substantial concern over the financial wellness of end-users as low reimbursement rates prevent mammography facilities from breaking even.
“In a market that is becoming increasingly concentrated with vendors facing financial woes, it is imperative that prospective entrants place their investments in segments that are most similar to the capabilities of their organization,” says Ajibade. “With respect to product innovation, a strategic network to remain abreast of new advances is critical.”
Mammography vendors and end-users must involve themselves in substantive lobbying efforts to prevent the progressive worsening financial situation facilities are experiencing. Furthermore, they should increasingly focus on innovative technologies that could potentially improve the negative cycle of facility closure.
North American X-Ray Mammography Markets is part of the Medical Imaging Subscription. It provides an overview of this market through estimates and forecasts of market revenues, unit shipments, and pricing analysis, along with an in-depth discussion of market drivers, restraints, industry challenges, strategies, and trends that are affecting the North American x-ray mammography markets. In this study, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets: analog mammography, full-field digital mammography (FFDM), add-on digital spot, and prone digital spot. Interviews are available to the press.
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