Cancer Diagnostics Market By Product Type (Instruments; Consumables; Software & Services); By Technology (Imaging; Biopsy; Immunohistochemistry (IHC); In Situ Hybridization (ISH); Tumor Marker Tests; Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS); Liquid Biopsy; Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); Microarrays; Others); By Application (Breast Cancer; Lung Cancer; Colorectal Cancer; Prostate Cancer; Liver Cancer; Blood Cancer; Skin Cancer; Others); By End User (Hospitals; Diagnostic Laboratories; Research Institutes; Academic Institutes; Ambulatory Surgical Centers); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032.

Cancer Diagnostics Market Size & Overview

The global cancer diagnostics market was valued at $121.3 Bn in 2023 and is projected to reach approximately $189.5 Bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 - 2030. This growth is primarily driven by the rising global cancer burden, increasing demand for early detection & advancements in diagnostic technologies such as liquid biopsy, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and AI-powered imaging.

 

The shift towards personalized medicine, minimally invasive diagnostic method & the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) & big data analytics is accelerating market expansion, particularly in developed regions like North America and Europe, where healthcare infrastructure and R&D investments are strong. Meanwhile, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America & Africa are experiencing rapid growth due to government initiatives, expanding healthcare access, and rising awareness about cancer screening programs.

 

However, high diagnostic costs, stringent regulatory approvals & reimbursement challenges remain key hurdles that may slow down market penetration, particularly in low & middle income countries. Additionally, supply chain disruptions & a shortage of skilled professionals pose challenges to the extensive adoption of advanced diagnostic tools.

 

Despite these barriers, the increasing adoption of liquid biopsy, AI-driven diagnostics & biomarker-based screening is expected to revolutionize cancer diagnostics, making it more accurate, accessible & cost-effective, shaping the future of the industry.

 

Cancer Diagnostics Market Dynamics:

Market Drivers

Rising Cancer Incidence & Prevalence

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The American Cancer Society estimated that around 2 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.S. alone in 2023. According to the 2022 report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were approximately 20 Mn new cancer cases and 9.7 Mn cancer-related deaths worldwide. Lung and breast cancer emerged as the most prevalent types. Over 35 Mn new cancer cases are predicted in 2050, a 77% increase from the estimated 20 Mn cases in 2022. The increasing burden of cancer cases, particularly breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, is driving demand for early and accurate diagnostics.

Technological Advancements in Diagnostic Tools

Cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing cancer care by facilitating early detection, offering personalized treatment plans, enabling minimally invasive surgeries, delivering precise radiation therapy, enhancing data management & analysis, and allowing for remote monitoring of patients. NCI-funded research has produced many notable examples of nanotechnology-based imaging agents over the past decade. Current imaging techniques like MRI, PET, and CT scans can only detect cancer after it has grown and possibly spread, because they aren't sensitive enough. However, new nanotechnology-based imaging agents being developed can specifically target tumors and make it much easier to detect cancer at an early stage. AI-based imaging solutions developed by companies like IBM Watson Health and Google’s DeepMind have significantly improved early-stage cancer detection, reducing false positives and improving diagnostic accuracy.

 

Market Opportunities

Growing Adoption of Liquid Biopsy and Non-Invasive Diagnostic Techniques

Liquid biopsy is emerging as a promising alternative to traditional tissue biopsies, offering minimally invasive, faster & more accurate cancer detection. The global liquid biopsy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% due to increased demand for early-stage cancer detection. New advancements in liquid biopsy techniques, like highly sensitive methods such as digital PCR and NGS, have made analyzing ctDNA much more accurate. These techniques are crucial for early cancer detection, monitoring tiny changes in tumor DNA, checking for any remaining cancer after treatment & tracking how cancer evolves over time. Additionally, using AI to analyze liquid biopsy data can improve clinical decisions by uncovering complex patterns in biomarkers. Companies like Guardant Health & Foundation Medicine are leading innovations in liquid biopsy, enabling real-time tumor monitoring & personalized treatment strategies.

Rising Investments & Government Initiatives for Cancer Screening

To effectively tackle the growing cancer burden, it is essential to develop strong, evidence-based fundraising strategies that leverage a diverse array of funding sources & supportive partnerships. The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) allocated over $7 billion in 2023 for cancer research and diagnostics. The European Commission’s "Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan" aims to provide free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings to 90% of eligible individuals by 2025, fostering demand for diagnostic solutions. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer to aid pediatric cancer efforts in low-resource countries. WHO is collaborating with various partners to provide comprehensive care and treatments throughout the entire cancer care continuum. The Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative aims to enhance the cancer care ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific region by upgrading health infrastructure, fostering research collaborations, developing data systems, and offering increased support for cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and care.

 

Market Restraints

High Cost of Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

The cost of cancer diagnostic tools, especially NGS & molecular diagnostics, remains a significant barrier, limiting accessibility in low & middle income countries. Cost estimates for cancer care in 2020 ranged from $174 billion to over $1 trillion, depending on the inclusion of indirect costs. A single NGS test for cancer diagnosis can cost between $1,000 - $5,000, making it unaffordable for many patients without adequate insurance coverage.

Regulatory & Reimbursement Challenges

Strict regulatory frameworks & inconsistent reimbursement policies pose hurdles for new diagnostic technologies. Approvals from regulatory bodies like the FDA & European Medicines Agency (EMA) can be time-consuming & costly. Many liquid biopsy tests still struggle with FDA approvals, delaying market entry and adoption, despite their promising clinical benefits.

 

Cancer Diagnostics Market Segmentation: A Comprehensive Overview

By Product Type

• Instruments

• Consumables

• Software & Services

 

By Technology

• Imaging

• Biopsy

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

• In Situ Hybridization (ISH)

• Tumor Marker Tests

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

• Liquid Biopsy

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Microarrays

• Others

 

By Application

• Breast Cancer

• Lung Cancer

• Colorectal Cancer

• Prostate Cancer

• Liver Cancer

• Blood Cancer

• Skin Cancer

• Others

 

By End User

• Hospitals

• Diagnostic Laboratories

• Research Institutes

• Academic Institutes

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

 

Cancer Diagnostics Market Segment Analysis: Growth Trends Across Categories

By Product Type:

Leading Segment: Instruments

Instruments dominate the cancer diagnostics market with a significant share. Instruments such as diagnostic imaging devices (CT scans, MRI machines), biopsy tools, and molecular diagnostic instruments are critical in the detection, diagnosis & staging of cancer. These devices are widely used in hospitals, diagnostic centers & research institutions. The global market share for instruments is estimated to be around 40-45%.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Consumables

Consumables, which include reagents, diagnostic kits & other single-use items, are the fastest-growing segment, driven by the increasing volume of diagnostic tests being performed. The demand for consumables is growing at a CAGR of 8-10% due to their essential role in day-to-day diagnostic procedures & increasing global cancer incidences.

 

By Technology:

Leading Segment: Imaging

Imaging technologies such as CT, MRI & PET scans hold the largest market share in the cancer diagnostics market. Imaging is vital in detecting tumors, staging cancer, and planning treatment. The market share for imaging technology is approximately 30-35%.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Liquid Biopsy

Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive method for detecting cancer-related genetic mutations & abnormalities through blood samples, is rapidly gaining traction. This technology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15-18%. The increasing shift toward minimally invasive diagnostic methods & the ability to monitor cancer progression are fueling this growth.

 

By Application:

Leading Segment: Breast Cancer

Breast cancer diagnostics command the largest share of the market, driven by the high prevalence of the disease & the availability of advanced diagnostic technologies like mammography, ultrasound & MRI. The market share for breast cancer diagnostics is estimated to be around 25-30%.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Lung Cancer

Lung cancer diagnostics are growing rapidly, with a CAGR of 10-12%. This growth is driven by advances in imaging, biopsy techniques & the increasing emphasis on early-stage detection. The rising incidence of lung cancer, particularly in countries with high smoking rates & pollution, contributes to this fast-paced growth.

 

By End User:

Leading Segment: Hospitals

Hospitals are the largest end-user of cancer diagnostic services & equipment. Hospitals are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, imaging systems & laboratories for comprehensive cancer care, contributing to a market share of around 40-45%.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Diagnostic Laboratories

Diagnostic laboratories are the fastest-growing segment, growing at a CAGR of 8-10%. The rise in cancer screenings, advancements in diagnostic techniques & increasing demand for lab-based diagnostic services are driving this growth.

 

By Region:

Leading Region: North America

North America holds the largest market share in the cancer diagnostics market, accounting for approximately 40-45% of the global market. This is due to the high prevalence of cancer, well-established healthcare infrastructure & substantial investments in research & diagnostic technologies. The US & Canada are key players in this market.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

APAC is the fastest-growing region for cancer diagnostics, with a CAGR of 10-12%. Countries like China, Japan & India are seeing increased adoption of cancer diagnostic technologies driven by rising cancer incidences, improving healthcare infrastructure, and rising awareness. Expanding healthcare access & government initiatives are contributing to this growth.

 

Cancer Diagnostics Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2032
Market Size Value in 2023	USD 121.3 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 189.5 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.8% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2023
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Technology, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Product Type	Instruments; Consumables; Software & Services
By Technology	Imaging; Biopsy; Immunohistochemistry (IHC); In Situ Hybridization (ISH); Tumor Marker Tests; Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS); Liquid Biopsy; Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); Microarrays; Others
By Application	Breast Cancer; Lung Cancer; Colorectal Cancer; Prostate Cancer; Liver Cancer; Blood Cancer; Skin Cancer; Others
By End User	Hospitals; Diagnostic Laboratories; Research Institutes; Academic Institutes; Ambulatory Surgical Centers
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	US, Canada, Germany, China, India, etc.
Market Drivers	Rising cancer prevalence, advancements in diagnostic technology, increasing adoption of liquid biopsy, growing healthcare expenditure
Pricing and Purchase Options	Customized options available

 

Key Players in the Cancer Diagnostics Market

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

• Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

• Abbott Laboratories Inc.

• Siemens Healthineers

• Hologic Inc.

• GE Healthcare

• Illumina Inc.

• Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.

• Agilent Technologies Inc.

• bioMérieux SA

 

Recent Developments

• On September 9, 2024, Roche expanded its digital pathology open environment by integrating over 20 advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms from eight new collaborators. This initiative aims to support pathologists and scientists in cancer research & diagnosis by leveraging cutting-edge AI technology. 

• On July 18, 2023, GE HealthCare highlighted the transformative role of data-driven diagnostics and treatment in cancer care. The company emphasized the integration of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance cancer diagnostics, predict and monitor responses to specific therapies, and potentially improve patient outcomes.

• On January 21, 2025, Hologic released the latest Hologic Global Women's Health Index, revealing a decline in women's cancer testing worldwide. The report indicated that only 10% of women surveyed globally underwent any type of cancer testing in the past year, marking a two-percentage-point decrease from previous years.

 

Future Outlook

The future outlook for the cancer diagnostics market is highly promising, driven by advancements in early detection technologies, increasing cancer prevalence & the growing emphasis on precision medicine. The integration of  AI & ML in diagnostic imaging & pathology is expected to revolutionize early cancer detection, improving accuracy & reducing diagnostic turnaround times. Additionally, the rise of liquid biopsy technologies is set to transform non-invasive cancer screening, enabling real-time monitoring & personalized treatment strategies. Government initiatives supporting cancer screening programs, coupled with increasing healthcare expenditure, will further fuel market growth. The expansion of NGS & biomarker-based diagnostics is expected to enhance the identification of specific cancer mutations, driving demand for targeted therapies. However, challenges such as high diagnostic costs & regulatory hurdles may pose limitations. Despite these constraints, the ongoing R&D efforts, increasing collaborations among biotech firms & healthcare institutions & the shift toward point-of-care diagnostics & home-based testing solutions are likely to shape the market's future. Overall, the cancer diagnostics market is expected to witness robust growth, with innovations leading to earlier detection, improved patient outcomes & reduced global cancer mortality rates.