World Mammography Market May Double by 2007

According to a new analysis by the healthcare group at Frost & Sullivan (World X-Ray Mammography Markets), the total world x-ray market, which reached US$282.5 million in 2000, may rise to $567 million by 2007.

Since the market debut of small-field digital mammography systems in 1997, sales of digital x-ray mammography equipment have been on the rise. By eliminating the need for film and offering increased contrast resolution, a wider dynamic range, a higher signal-to-noise ratio, and real-time image enhancement, digital mammography may improve early breast cancer detection rates. Despite the technologic promise, however, some facilities might be unable to afford digital systems.

"Most facilities that provide mammographic services in Western Europe and North American do so at a net loss,” says Frost & Sullivan medical imaging analyst, Antonio Garcia. "Many facility administrators agree that mammography reimbursements are inadequate given the expense of the equipment and the expertise required to perform mammograms.”

Consolidation within the industry has intensified competition for sales. In 1997, there were 12 companies manufacturing and marketing mammography systems in North America. In 2001, there are only six. Consolidation has been driven by high capital requirements for developing full-field digital mammography coupled with limited demand for the equipment. Smaller companies are under pressure to deliver innovative technologies or risk being pushed out of the marketplace.


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