Automated breast ultrasound systems market

Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) Market – Insights

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to assess organs and structures inside the body. The approach does not involve exposure to radiation. In automated breast ultrasound, a transducer that scans the whole breast is used to obtain ultrasound images in three dimension (3D) for cancer detection.

The global automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) market is estimated to account for US$ 271.1Mn in terms of value and 1,270 units in terms of volume by the end of 2027.

Global Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) Market: Drivers

Increasing prevalence of breast cancer is a major factor boosting growth of the global automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) market over the forecast period. For instance, according to the World Health Organization, 2.1 million women worldwide suffer from breast cancer, annually. Moreover, in 2018, 627,000 women died from breast cancer worldwide.

Increasing initiatives of government and private organizations to spread breast cancer awareness is also expected to fuel growth of the market. For instance, in December 2019, AMMETLIFE Insurance Bhd launched a fundraising campaign to support breast cancer awareness programs undertaken by the Pink Ribbon Wellness (L) Foundation.

North America region held dominant position in the global automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) market in 2018, accounting for 41.6% share in terms of value, followed by Europe.

Figure 1. Global Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) Market Value (US$ Mn), by Region, 2018

Global Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) Market: Restraints

Stringent regulations in various countries have restricted the use of automated breast ultrasound imaging techniques. Moreover, high cost of ultrasound systems compared to conventional cancer screening systems is also expected to hinder growth of the global automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) market. For instance, on average, a new ABUS can cost around US$ 300,000.

Although ultrasound is quick and can boost cancer detection, it is also prone to false-positive biopsies, which is also expected to hamper growth of the market.

Global Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) Market: Opportunities

Increasing demand for early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in the global automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) market. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) statistics, women aged 30–34 years may be responsible for a 130.6% increase in incidence of breast cancer by 2025.

Moreover, key players in the market can also focus on integrating full-field digital mammography (FFDM) with ABUS to develop a single platform that can offer improved quality images.

Market Trends/Key Takeaways

North America and Europe is witnessing increasing prevalence of breast cancer among women. Moreover, low sensitivity of mammography in breasts with dense tissues has led to increasing adoption of ABUS.

Major hospitals worldwide are adopting ABUS to improve treatment outcome. For instance, in November 2019, St. Patrick Hospital, Montana (U.S.) installed ABUS.

Global Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) Market: Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the global automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) market include, General Electric Co., Siemens AG, Hitachi Ltd., QT Ultrasound LLC, Ikonopedia, and SonoCiné Inc.

Global Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) Market: Key Developments

Key players in the market are focused on adopting partnership and collaboration strategies to enhance their market share. For instance, in October 2019, GE Healthcare collaborated with Premier Inc. to develop a model to bring a same-day breast cancer diagnosis and treatment model to the U.S.

Key players in the market are also focused on adopting marketing strategies to enhance their market share. For instance, in December 2019, Ikonopedia demonstrated enhancements to its breast biopsy reporting tool designed to improve efficiency and clinical utility at the 105th Annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) meeting.