In 2021, the market for Lung Cancer Screening worldwide was worth $0.88 billion US dollars. AMR Group projects that the market will reach US$ 1.9 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.1 percent between 2022 and 2031.
Industry Overview
Lung cancer screening is a medical procedure that uses imaging tests to detect lung cancer in people who do not have any symptoms but are at high risk of developing the disease. The goal of lung cancer screening is to detect the disease at an early stage when it is more treatable and curable. The most common imaging test used for lung cancer screening is a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan, which uses X-rays to create detailed images of the lungs. During the test, the patient lies on a table and a machine rotates around them, taking pictures from different angles. Lung cancer screening is recommended for people who are at high risk of developing lung cancer, such as current or former smokers who have smoked for a certain number of years. The exact criteria for lung cancer screening vary depending on the organization making the recommendations, but generally include: Age 50-80 years old, a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (number of cigarette packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoked) Current smoker or quit smoking within the past 15 years, No symptoms of lung cancer. If an abnormality is detected on the LDCT scan, additional tests may be needed to determine if it is cancerous. Depending on the size and location of the abnormality, the doctor may recommend further imaging tests or a biopsy (removing a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope) to confirm the diagnosis. Overall, lung cancer screening has the potential to save lives by detecting lung cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable. However, it is important to note that screening has limitations and can also lead to false positive results, which can cause unnecessary anxiety and additional tests.
Market Dynamics
The lung cancer screening market is expected to grow in the coming years due to several factors, including:
Increasing incidence of lung cancer: Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and is responsible for a significant number of deaths each year. As the incidence of lung cancer continues to rise, the demand for screening tests is expected to increase.
Advancements in technology: The development of advanced imaging techniques and computer-aided detection systems has improved the accuracy and reliability of lung cancer screening tests. This has led to an increase in the adoption of screening programs, especially in high-risk populations.
Government initiatives: Several governments around the world have launched programs to promote lung cancer screening in high-risk populations. For example, in the United States, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) covers the cost of annual screening for high-risk individuals.
Growing awareness: As public awareness about the benefits of early detection and treatment of lung cancer increases, more people are expected to seek screening services.
However, there are also several challenges facing the lung cancer screening market, including:
Cost: Lung cancer screening tests can be expensive, which may limit their adoption in some populations.
False positive results: Lung cancer screening tests can produce false positive results, which can cause anxiety and lead to unnecessary additional tests and procedures.
Limited availability: Access to lung cancer screening programs may be limited in some regions due to a lack of resources or infrastructure.
Radiation exposure: Lung cancer screening tests involve exposure to radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer over time. While the dose of radiation used in LDCT scans is low, it is still a concern for some patients. Overall, despite these challenges, the lung cancer screening market is expected to grow in the coming years as more people become aware of the benefits of early detection and treatment of lung cancer.
COVID Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lung cancer screening market. Some of the key impacts include: Due to the pandemic, many lung cancer screening programs have been delayed or cancelled, particularly during the early stages of the outbreak. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of people being screened, which could lead to a delay in the detection and treatment of lung cancer. The pandemic has disrupted healthcare services, including lung cancer screening services, as resources have been diverted to managing COVID-19 patients. This has resulted in a reduction in the availability of screening services, which could impact patient outcomes. The pandemic has also led to changes in patient behavior, including reduced visits to healthcare facilities and reluctance to undergo non-urgent procedures. This may result in some patients delaying or avoiding lung cancer screening altogether. The pandemic has also had financial impacts on healthcare systems, which may limit the resources available for lung cancer screening programs.
Patients with lung cancer are at increased risk of severe illness or death if they contract COVID-19. This has led to concerns about the safety of screening procedures and the need for additional precautions to protect both patients and healthcare workers. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lung cancer screening market. While the long-term effects of the pandemic on the market are unclear, it is likely that the demand for screening services will continue to increase as the pandemic is brought under control and healthcare services return to normal.
Regional Trend
The lung cancer screening market varies regionally based on factors such as healthcare infrastructure, government initiatives, and awareness among the general population. North America is a significant market for lung cancer screening due to the high incidence of lung cancer in the region. The United States, in particular, has a well-established lung cancer screening program, which is covered by Medicare and Medicaid for eligible high-risk individuals. Europe is also a significant market for lung cancer screening, with several countries implementing national screening programs for high-risk populations. For example, the United Kingdom has implemented a lung cancer screening program using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals aged 55-74 who have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing incidence of lung cancer in the region, particularly in China and India. Several countries in the region, such as Japan and South Korea, have well-established screening programs, while others are in the process of implementing screening programs. Latin America is a smaller market for lung cancer screening, but the region is expected to grow in the coming years due to increasing awareness about the benefits of early detection and treatment of lung cancer. The Middle East and Africa are smaller markets for lung cancer screening, with limited screening programs and low awareness about the benefits of early detection and treatment of lung cancer. However, the market is expected to grow as healthcare infrastructure improves and awareness increases.
Competitive Landscape
The lung cancer screening market is competitive, with several companies offering screening products and services. Some of the key players in the market include:
General Electric Company: General Electric Company offers several lung cancer screening products, including CT scanners and software for analyzing lung nodules.
Koninklijke Philips N.V.: Koninklijke Philips N.V. offers a range of lung cancer screening products, including low-dose CT scanners, software for analyzing lung nodules, and cloud-based services for sharing and storing patient data.
Siemens Healthineers AG: Siemens Healthineers AG offers several lung cancer screening products, including CT scanners and software for analyzing lung nodules.
Oncimmune Holdings plc: Oncimmune Holdings plc offers EarlyCDT Lung, a blood test designed to detect lung cancer at an early stage.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. offers several lung cancer screening products, including a range of diagnostic tests and reagents for use in molecular testing of lung cancer.
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. offers several diagnostic tests for lung cancer, including the ddPCR KRAS Screening Kit, which is designed to detect mutations in the KRAS gene associated with lung cancer.
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd offers several diagnostic tests for lung cancer, including the Cobas EGFR Mutation Test, which is designed to detect mutations in the EGFR gene associated with lung cancer. Overall, the lung cancer screening market is highly competitive, with several established players offering a range of products and services. The market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for early detection and treatment of lung cancer.
Market Segmentation
The lung cancer screening market can be segmented by test type and end-user.
By test type:
Imaging Tests: This segment includes low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, X-rays, and other imaging tests used to detect lung nodules and tumors.
Sputum Cytology: This segment includes tests that examine sputum (phlegm) under a microscope to detect abnormal cells.
Biopsy: This segment includes tests that remove tissue or fluid from the lungs to examine under a microscope and detect cancer.
By end-user:
Hospitals: Hospitals are the primary end-users of lung cancer screening tests and services, providing screening services to patients at risk of lung cancer.
Diagnostic Centers: Diagnostic centers provide a range of diagnostic tests, including lung cancer screening tests, to patients.
Research Institutes: Research institutes conduct research on lung cancer screening and treatment and may provide screening services to patients as part of clinical trials.
Overall, the lung cancer screening market can be segmented by test type, end-user, and geography, reflecting the diverse range of products and services available and the different markets and regions where they are utilized.