Market Trends of Netherlands Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Industry
Oncology Segment is Expected to Witness Growth Over the Forecast Period
Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in interventional oncology, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Computed tomography is a highly beneficial and preferred imaging method for many conditions, including trauma patients. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are also in cancer diagnostic imaging. There are also hybrid medical devices such as PET/CT or PET/MRI which can further contribute to the segment's growth.
According to the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL) in October 2022, 1 in 13 people in the Netherlands are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer by 2032 and the number of cancer cases will rise from 800.000 in 2022 to nearly 1.4 million by 2032. Hence, the country's high burden of cancer cases is projected to increase diagnostic imaging for cancer diagnosis and is expected to augment the segment growth in the coming years.
Furthermore, the funding by the government to expedite research and development in the oncology segment is projected to boost the demand for the market segment. For instance, in April 2022, the Netherlands reported investing nearly USD 346.52 million or EUR 325 million in preclinical cancer drug development. The Dutch National Growth Fund aims to use the funding to offer specialized capabilities that aid biotechs in hastening the development of oncology prospects. These initiatives by the government are likely to bolster the demand for oncology diagnostic imaging equipment which is projected to augment the segment growth in the country during the forecast period.
Mammography Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share of the Market
Mammography is an x-ray imaging technique that is used to examine the breast for the early detection of cancer and other breast diseases. There are two types of mammograms such as screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms. A diagnostic mammogram is done for people who have a lump or other signs and symptoms of breast cancer and along with other tests, it helps confirm if the patient has cancer or not.
Factors such as increasing breast cancer screening and the breast cancer screening programs by the government of the Netherlands are expected to create the demand for these mammography devices and garner the segment's growth.
The government of the Netherlands designed a National Breast Cancer Screening Programme for women between 50 and 75 years of age and the women of the age group are invited for a mammogram once every 2 years. This is increasing awareness regarding breast cancer and benefits of the mammogram screening. As per a report published by IKNL in September 2022, in the year 2021, nearly 87.6% of the total women population in the country was invited to the national breast cancer screening program out of which 72.5% of the invited women participated in the program.
In addition, as per the source above, the number of breast cancer screenings increased from 530,722 in 2020 to 878,566 in 2021, of which 22,851 (2.60%) were referred by physicians for screening. Thus, the awareness regarding breast cancer screening and the active involvement of the government is expected to create demand for the availability of technologically advanced mammography equipment, further fueling the segment's growth.
