Automated Breast Ultrasound Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis to 2031

The future of the global automated breast ultrasound market looks promising with opportunities in the hospital and diagnostic imaging laboratory markets. The global automated breast ultrasound market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 13.6% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the increasing breast cancer prevalence rates, the growing demand for early diagnosis, and the rising adoption of advanced imaging.

• Lucintel forecasts that, within the product category, automated breast ultrasound is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period.
• Within the end use category, hospital is expected to witness higher growth.
• In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.

Emerging Trends in the Automated Breast Ultrasound Market

The automated breast ultrasound market is changing fast, driven by a number of revolutionary trends that are intended to improve diagnostic performance, streamline workflow, and increase access. The trends are an indication of the continued search to overcome the challenges of conventional mammography, especially in women with dense breasts, as well as simplify the breast cancer screening process. From artificial intelligence integration to more portable system development, all these advances play key roles in enhancing early detection rates and, ultimately, patient outcomes in breast cancer treatment.

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration: The trend entails integrating AI and ML algorithms into ABUS systems for automatic image analysis, lesion detection, and characterization. AI can help radiologists by pointing out suspicious regions, lowering reading time, and lessening inter-operator variation. The effect is increased diagnostic accuracy, potentially resulting in earlier and more accurate cancer detection, particularly in dense breasts where abnormality may be masked. AI also assists in image interpretation standardization and can act as an excellent second opinion, enhancing workflow productivity in high-volume imaging centers.
• Development of Portable and Compact ABUS Systems: This line of development targets the production of compact, lightweight, and portable ABUS units. Most standard ABUS systems are large and intended for stationary installation in hospitals. Portable systems make deployment in different clinical settings possible, such as in outpatient clinics, mobile screening units, and even in remote areas. The effect is a dramatic enhancement in access to breast ultrasound screening, especially in under-resourced rural communities or places with limited medical infrastructure, hence elevated early detection rates across more populations.
• Trend Towards 3D and 4D Imaging Capabilities: This trend highlights the shift from standard 2D ultrasound towards sophisticated 3D and upcoming 4D (real-time 3D) imaging in ABUS technology. 3D imaging gives a complete volumetric image of the breast so radiologists can view slices in any plane, including the all-important coronal view frequently hidden in 2D. The effect is better visualization of breast tissue and lesions and improved diagnostic confidence and accuracy, particularly for difficult cases or dense breasts. 4D imaging builds on this with real-time anatomical and functional data.
• Improved Workflow Automation and Ease of Use: This trend aims to simplify the ABUS scanning and interpretation process through increased automation and user-friendly interfaces. Automated breast volume acquisition, standardized scanning protocols, and easy image navigation are being incorporated. The effect is decreased operator reliance, reducing image acquisition variability, and shortening the overall examination time. This simplifies ABUS systems for technologists and radiologists to use, producing greater throughput, improved efficiency, and uniform image quality with varying operators.
• Increased Use of ABUS as a Supplemental Screening Tool: This trend reflects the increased acceptance and use of ABUS as a necessary supplement to mammography in women with dense breasts. Regulatory agencies and clinical guidelines increasingly suggest supplementary screening of this population, since mammography is less sensitive in dense breasts. The effect is a considerable gain in rates of breast cancer detection among a high-risk group, resulting in earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes for treatment. The trend is fueling market expansion by meeting a key unmet need for breast cancer screening.

These new trends are significantly transforming the Automated Breast Ultrasound Market by making breast cancer screening more efficient, accessible, and effective. Combining AI and innovations in 3D/4D imaging increases diagnostic precision, while portable system developments and intuitive interfaces enhance accessibility and workflow. The growing use of ABUS for dense breasts fills an important gap in screening. Together, these trends are propelling the market toward more integrated, personalized, and preventive breast health management, ultimately enhancing early detection and patient outcomes.

Recent Developments in the Automated Breast Ultrasound Market

The automated breast ultrasound market is in the midst of dynamic change, with recent trends centered on enhancing diagnostic quality, streamlining workflow efficiency, and increasing accessibility for breast cancer screening. These are landmark developments as ABUS becomes increasingly prominent as a key adjunct to mammography, particularly for women with dense breasts. Ranging from innovative artificial intelligence integration to imaging technology and system design innovation, these are common developments all pushing the detection and management of breast abnormalities towards earlier diagnosis and better patient outcomes.

• Artificial Intelligence Powered Image Analysis: The most noteworthy recent advancement is the infusion of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into ABUS systems. These AI applications aid radiologists to review tremendous quantities of volumetric data, detect faint lesions, and sort benign from malignant findings. The effect is a considerable increase in diagnostic correctness, fewer false positives, and shorter per-case reading times for radiologists, thus optimizing the diagnostic process in high-volume clinics. AI-driven solutions also aid in standardization of interpretation, reducing inter-reader variability.
• Advanced 3D and Coronal Plane Visualization: The recent push has been toward increasing the resolution and quality of 3D image acquisition of ABUS, especially with greater emphasis on the coronal plane. It is a special view difficult to achieve with handheld ultrasound that facilitates more efficient visualization of lesions within the overall breast volume. The effect is a wider knowledge of breast anatomy and pathology, allowing radiologists to identify cancers that would be lost on routine mammography or 2D ultrasound, particularly in dense breasts, for earlier diagnosis and more accurate diagnosis.
• Improved Workflow and User Interface Simplification: Manufacturers have responded in recent times with important upgrades to ABUS system workflows and user interfaces, which are more intuitive and effective. Such developments incorporate capabilities such as guided acquisition protocols, automatic image registration, and easy navigation through big datasets. The result is a decrease in operator reliance and training time, resulting in more consistent image quality as well as higher patient throughput. Enhanced user experience also promotes wider use in clinical practice, guaranteeing routine acquisition of high-quality scans.
• Greater Emphasis on Patient Comfort and Ergonomics: Current ABUS design focuses on patient comfort and ergonomic design to enhance the overall scanning experience. This encompasses softer transducers, patient positioning aids that can be adjusted, and quieter operation. The effect is less patient anxiety and discomfort during the test, leading to greater compliance with screening guidelines. Enhanced comfort also helps in producing a higher quality image by reducing patient movement, making the ABUS exam more acceptable for women who receive supplementary screening.
• Regulatory Clearances and Clinical Guideline Updates: There has been a significant rise in regulatory clearances for new ABUS systems and software, and updates in clinical guidelines by major medical groups that endorse ABUS as a complementary screening modality for dense breasts in women. The effect is increasing acceptance and incorporation of ABUS into routine breast cancer screening protocols. These approvals give assurance to healthcare professionals and provide wider insurance coverage, speeding up the use of ABUS in clinical practice and enhancing access to eligible patients.

These recent advances are collectively transforming the Automated Breast Ultrasound Market by making the screening of breast cancer more sophisticated, streamlined, and patient-focused. The convergence of AI, improved imaging power, and optimized workflows is increasing diagnostic accuracy and optimizing processes. In addition, emphasis on patient comfort and favorable regulatory settings is fueling broader adoption. These innovations place ABUS as a go-to tool in the new landscape of breast health, making the significant contribution to earlier detection and improved outcomes for women worldwide.

Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Automated Breast Ultrasound Market

The automated breast ultrasound market presents large strategic growth opportunities across multiple clinical applications fueled by the global focus on early detection of breast cancer and the limitations of mammography in dense breast tissue. To capitalize on such opportunities needs a focused approach in targeting specific patient groups, healthcare environments, and technology integrations. These growth opportunities are vital for market participants to increase their presence, drive innovation, and serve unmet needs in breast health, ultimately resulting in better patient outcomes and market growth.

• Dense Breast Screening as an Adjunct to Mammography: This is the most important strategic growth opportunity. Around 40-50% of women possess dense breast tissue, which hides cancers on mammograms. ABUS shines in this case, giving a full 3D image. The effect is significantly better detection of cancer among these women, resulting in earlier treatment and diagnosis. Educating patients and healthcare providers regarding breast density and the advantages of ABUS as an adjunct screening tool will propel broad adoption and market growth in this space.
• Diagnostic Evaluation of Indeterminate Findings and Follow-up: ABUS presents a strategic option for the clarification of indeterminate results on mammograms or clinical exams. It can provide the level of detail in volumetric images necessary to distinguish benign from malignant lesions, so unnecessary biopsies may be fewer. The effect is enhanced diagnostic confidence, decreased patient anxiety, and more effective patient management pathways. As a second-line diagnostic tool of prime importance, ABUS can make the diagnostic process more efficient and maximize resource utilization in breast imaging facilities.
• Breast Cancer Screening in High-Risk Groups: This option targets the use of ABUS for screening high-risk women at increased breast cancer risk, including a strong family history, genetic abnormality, or prior breast abnormality, for whom more intensive or frequent follow-up could be beneficial. Since it is radiation-free, ABUS is very appealing for young high-risk women who are in need of ongoing screening. The effect is earlier diagnosis and enhanced surveillance protocols for this high-risk population, leading to enhanced long-term outcomes and lower mortality rates.
• Integration into Comprehensive Breast Centers and Oncology Pathways: Strategic expansion is in integrating ABUS well into multigenetic breast centers and complete oncology pathways. This. Much more than simply purchasing ABUS machines, this entails the inclusion of their information with other imaging modalities, electronic health records, and tumor boards. The implementation is a comprehensive approach to breast cancer management where they are part of an entire diagnostic picture with ABUS findings, resulting in better-coordinated care, streamlined decision-making processes, and optimized treatment plans for patients along their cancer journey.
• Growth in Emerging Markets and Under-Served Areas: There exists a large untapped growth potential in emerging economies and under-served rural areas with limited access to sophisticated breast imaging. Producing more affordable, portable, and user-friendly ABUS systems designed for these markets and training programs for local healthcare providers will be key. The effect is greater access to life-saving breast cancer screening for massive populations, resulting in enhanced early detection rates and public health outcomes in areas where breast cancer death is still high because of late diagnosis.

All these strategic expansion opportunities are having a deep impact on the Automated Breast Ultrasound Market by allocating innovation and investment in key unmet needs in breast cancer detection. Through dense breast screening, follow-up diagnostics, high-risk patients, integrated care, and emerging markets, however, market participants can greatly increase the utility and availability of ABUS. Not only does this strategic application drive market expansion, but it also helps contribute broadly to enhanced world breast health outcomes through more timely and accurate diagnoses.

Automated Breast Ultrasound Market Driver and Challenges

The automated breast ultrasound market is driven by an interplay of myriad dynamic technological, economic, and regulatory factors. Chief drivers are rising global incidence of breast cancer, most notably among women with dense breast tissue, ongoing technology innovation improving image quality and workflow, and enhanced awareness among patients and healthcare providers regarding the advantages of additional screening. Conversely, the market faces significant challenges such as the high initial cost of ABUS systems, the need for specialized training for interpretation, and complex reimbursement policies that can limit adoption. Understanding these multifaceted dynamics is essential for navigating the market effectively.

The factors responsible for driving the automated breast ultrasound market include:

1. Rising Global Incidence of Breast Cancer: The rising worldwide prevalence of breast cancer, rendering it the leading cancer in women, is a key driver of the market. The growing disease burden requires more efficient and prevalent screening and diagnostic equipment. With an increasing number of women being diagnosed or at risk, the market for advanced imaging technology such as ABUS, which provides better detection compared to conventional methods, especially in dense breasts, inevitably increases to support early detection and better patient outcomes.

2. High Density of Breast Tissue: A large percentage of the female population have dense breast tissue, which lowers mammography sensitivity and the potential for cancer misses. ABUS is particularly useful in this population by enabling better visualization of breast anatomy. The increasing awareness of breast density and the rising implementation of breast density notification legislation are making it mandatory for healthcare providers to provide additional screening using ABUS, fueling the market.

3. Technological Developments in Imaging and AI: Ongoing technological developments in ABUS technology, such as better transducer design, more advanced image processing algorithms, and incorporating artificial intelligence for computer-aided detection and analysis, are major drivers. The developments result in higher image quality, reduced scan time, and more precise diagnoses, making ABUS systems more attractive and clinically useful to radiologists and healthcare facilities.

4. Growing Awareness and Government Support: Increasing awareness of women regarding options for breast cancer screening and the limitations of mammography, along with government initiatives and public health campaigns encouraging early screening, are driving market growth. Increased awareness motivates more women to undergo complete screening, including ABUS, especially where there is high breast density.

5. Radiation-Free and Non-Invasive Screening Demand: There is an increased interest among patients and clinicians for imaging modalities that do not utilize ionizing radiation, particularly for younger women or those needing repeated screenings. ABUS is a radiation-free and minimally invasive imaging method. This intrinsic safety benefit makes ABUS an attractive replacement or complement to mammography, stimulating its use in most clinical practice settings.

Challenges in the automated breast ultrasound market are:

1. High Initial Cost and Maintenance of ABUS Systems: The high initial cost needed to buy ABUS systems, complemented by regular maintenance and service charges, is a major challenge. This high cost could be the entry barrier and universal adoption determinant, depending on the level of healthcare budgets and medical infrastructures in the involved regions, making an impact on market penetration.

2. Need for Specialized Training and Interpretation Expertise: Although ABUS minimizes operator dependence over handheld ultrasound, reading large volumetric datasets of images produced by ABUS still necessitates specialized education and skill sets on the part of radiologists. Lack of adequately trained personnel to process efficiently and interpret correctly ABUS images can limit its adoption on a large scale and effective use, preventing it from achieving its entire clinical potential.

3. Confusing Reimbursement Policies and Absence of Standardization: Variability and complexity in reimbursement policies for ABUS procedures between regions and among insurance providers pose a serious challenge. Inconsistent and unfavorable reimbursement can discourage healthcare facilities from purchasing ABUS systems. In addition, the lack of uniform reporting and interpretation guidelines in all clinical settings may lead to variations in practice and impede wider acceptance.

In short, the Automated Breast Ultrasound Market is spurred by the need for better detection of breast cancer, particularly in dense breasts, with the support of continued technological progress and expanding awareness. Nonetheless, the market is confronted with significant challenges mainly encompassing high equipment expenses, the need for specialized expertise in image interpretation, and reimbursement complications. Varnishing these obstacles using strategic pricing, intensive training courses, and lobbying for positive reimbursement policies will be essential to the further growth and incorporation of ABUS as a standard of care in breast imaging.

List of Automated Breast Ultrasound Companies

Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies automated breast ultrasound companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the automated breast ultrasound companies profiled in this report include-

• GE HealthCare
• Koninklijke Philips
• Siemens Healthcare Private Limited
• CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
• TELEMED Medical Systems
• Hologic
• SuperSonic Imagine

Automated Breast Ultrasound Market by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the global automated breast ultrasound market by product, end use, and region.

Automated Breast Ultrasound Market by Product [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Automated Breast Volume Scanner
• Automated Breast Ultrasound

Automated Breast Ultrasound Market by End Use [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Hospital
• Diagnostics Imaging Laboratories
• Others

Country Wise Outlook for the Automated Breast Ultrasound Market

The market for automated breast ultrasound is experiencing remarkable growth with the rising global prevalence of breast cancer and escalating acceptance of its utility, especially for women with dense breasts where mammography is suboptimal. ABUS provides detailed, reproducible, and user-independent 3D imaging, which is a useful complementary tool to conventional mammography for enhanced early detection. Recent developments are aimed at incorporating artificial intelligence for higher diagnostic accuracy, automating workflows, and enhancing patient comfort. These developments are crucial in revolutionizing breast cancer screening and diagnosis with more accurate and affordable solutions across the globe.

• United States: The United States is a key market for ABUS, underpinned by high rates of breast cancer incidence, high awareness programs, and good insurance coverage for supplemental screening in women with dense breasts. Recent trends have involved more FDA clearances for new ABUS equipment and software, frequently including artificial intelligence to provide better image analysis and workflow management. There is ongoing emphasis on the integration of ABUS into current breast imaging protocols and electronic health records to enhance patient management and decrease diagnostic delay. Research and development investment by market leaders remains strong.
• China: The Chinese ABUS market is growth-driven, with high patient volumes, growing breast cancer rates, and intensifying investment in cutting-edge medical technology. Recent advancements include an upsurge in local manufacturing capacity to make cheaper ABUS systems available, opening up access to more hospitals and diagnostic centers across the board. There has been a strong government initiative for early cancer detection schemes, with the inclusion of progressive imaging technologies such as ABUS. International and domestic company collaborations are also driving market growth and technology transfer.
• Germany: Germany's ABUS market is dominated by a strong focus on high-quality medical devices, extensive clinical verification, and incorporation into established healthcare systems. Latest trends involve the common usage of ABUS in university hospitals and specialized breast centers as part of integrated breast cancer screening programs. Efforts are being made for the optimization of ABUS protocols and incorporation of artificial intelligence for increased diagnostic confidence and decreased reading times for radiologists. Germany
• India: India's ABUS market is developing with high growth opportunities, fueled by an underserved large patient pool, rising awareness of breast cancer, and improving healthcare infrastructure. New developments involve increasing demand for affordable and portable ABUS solutions to access rural and remote locations. There is growing use of ABUS in large city-based diagnostic facilities and private hospitals, frequently in combination with mammography. Government programs and private investment to increase cancer screening facilities are set to drive ABUS adoption even faster.
• Japan: Japan's technologically sophisticated and mature ABUS market has a high focus on patient comfort and precision imaging. Recent advances involve ongoing innovation in transducer technology and image processing algorithms to enhance resolution and diagnostic performance, especially for small lesions in dense breasts. Japanese vendors are concentrating on creating holistic systems that naturally integrate ABUS with other imaging techniques. The aging demographics and high prevalence of breast cancer propel the requirement for holistic and effective breast screening solutions.

Features of the Global Automated Breast Ultrasound Market

• Market Size Estimates: Automated breast ultrasound market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
• Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
• Segmentation Analysis: Automated breast ultrasound market size by product, end use, and region in terms of value ($B).
• Regional Analysis: Automated breast ultrasound market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
• Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different products, end uses, and regions for the automated breast ultrasound market.
• Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the automated breast ultrasound market.

Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter's Five Forces model.

This report answers following 11 key questions:

• Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the automated breast ultrasound market by product (automated breast volume scanner and automated breast ultrasound), end use (hospital, diagnostics imaging laboratories, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
• Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
• Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
• Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
• Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
• Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
• Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
• Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
• Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
• Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
• Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?