Japan Breast Cancer Treatment Market Assessment, By Type, By Treatment Type, By End-user, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2019-FY2033F

Japan breast cancer treatment market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.80% during the forecast period FY2026-FY2033, growing from USD 1.38 billion in FY2025 to USD 2.71 billion in FY2033. The market's growth can be attributed to the increasing cases of breast cancer in the country, rising investments by the key players of the market towards the launch of new therapies, and growing emphasis on research activities to combat the rising threat of the condition. As per the estimates of the Global Cancer Observatory, breast cancer was the leading type of cancer in women in Japan in 2022, accounting for 21.6% of all cancer cases.

The growth of the country's geriatric population, rising requirement for effective therapies, increasing government approvals, and rising research efforts are some of the major factors influencing the growth and expansion of the breast cancer treatment market in Japan. Meanwhile, the rising efforts of both public and private organizations to promote awareness about breast cancer and support early screening are also bolstering the market demand. The country's healthcare system is further supporting market growth by ensuring the affordability and accessibility of cancer therapies through public insurance coverage.

Increasing Research Activities Support Market Expansion

Rising research activities by leading research centers and educational institutions across the country are positively influencing the market's expansion by bolstering the availability of novel therapeutic solutions. The research ecosystem is also accelerating the introduction of advanced surgical techniques and drugs that allow oncologists to improve treatment outcomes and enhance patient experience. For instance, in February 2024, researchers at Tohoku University announced that they had developed a novel monoclonal antibody that targets HER2-positive breast cancer cells. The antibody represents a significant advancement in breast cancer treatment as well as a promise for the availability of less toxic and more effective treatment options, as the antibody offers a more selective and targeted approach as compared to conventional treatment options, including chemotherapy.

Technological Advancements Boost Market Growth

Increasing emphasis on technological advancements are significantly driving the growth of the market by improving diagnosis, expanding the availability of therapeutic solutions, and enabling precision medicine. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are enhancing the accuracy and speed of breast cancer detection through advanced imaging and mammography, resulting in the diagnosis of the condition in a time efficient manner. Additionally, the integration of multi-gene panel tests and genomic medicine has facilitated the development and adoption of targeted therapies, allowing clinicians to tailor the treatments according to the genetic profile of the patient.

Meanwhile, innovative treatment solutions launched by leading research organizations in the country are revolutionizing cancer care. For instance, in June 2023, a team of researchers from Hiromitsu Haba at the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science (RNC) and RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research (CPR) in Japan developed a new technique that offers less harmful and more precise alternatives to currently available treatments. As clinical trials progress for the technique, it is expected to attract more investments and propel advancements in breast cancer treatment, allowing the country to offer innovative oncology solutions to its patient population.

Targeted Therapies Hold Major Market Share

The segment's dominance can be attributed to the higher efficacy and safety of targeted therapies and their ability to address specific genetic mutations in cancer cells. The rapid advancements in companion diagnostics and the adoption of precision medicine are further enabling physicians to match targeted therapies to the unique genetic profiles of the patients, improving their effectiveness. Additionally, a wide number of targeted therapies are also receiving approval in Japan. For instance, in March 2024, AstraZeneca plc received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) for Truqap (capivasertib) plus Faslodex (fulvestrant) for breast cancer. The company received approval for the recurrent or unresectable AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 or phosphatase, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha, and tensin homolog-altered hormone receptor-positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer. The drug combination is intended for adult patients who have progressed following endocrine therapy. The approval is based on the data collected from the double-blind, randomized, global CAPItello-291 Phase III clinical trial.

Impact of the U.S. Tariff on Japan Breast Cancer Treatment Market

The tariffs are expected to bolster the costs for advanced equipment such as biopsy devices and mammography machines, potentially affecting the accessibility and affordability of early breast cancer detection technologies.

Various healthcare institutions may face budget issues and financial strain, limiting their ability to acquire new equipment and therapeutic solutions, thus impacting the quality of care provided to the patient population.

Meanwhile, the tariffs are expected to encourage domestic manufacturers to focus on product innovation and production, reducing their reliance on imports and mitigating the adverse effects associated with the evolution of trade policies.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The key players of the market are focusing on investing in product innovations and launching new drugs in the country. For instance, in December 2024, Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited received approval from Japan's MHLW for its trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2)-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for treating adults with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative recurrent or unresectable breast cancer after prior chemotherapy. This approval expands the therapeutic solutions available for advanced stages of breast cancer and is encouraging a wider adoption of ADCs. Such launches are providing improved efficacy and safety as compared to conventional treatment solutions, positively influencing the market's expansion.