Australia’s breast cancer screening landscape is evolving, with innovation in imaging and complementary diagnostics driving a shift toward more personalized care. While mammography remains the cornerstone, new technologies such as lipid-based blood tests are improving detection in patients with dense breast tissue. This progress is expected to fuel steady growth in the mammography equipment market, which is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% through 2034, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s report, “Mammography Equipment Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Installed Base and Forecast to 2036,” indicates that Australia accounted for approximately 4% of the total Asia-Pacific market in 2024.
Aditi Dakshesh Parikh, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments, “Traditional imaging systems are evolving with enhancements in resolution and diagnostic throughput. However, the next leap in screening outcomes is being driven by tests that complement imaging by adding a layer of precision, especially in patients where standard mammography has suboptimal effectiveness.”
Reflecting this paradigm shift, BCAL Diagnostics, an Australian and US-based biotechnology company, has introduced BREASTEST plus, a first-in-class blood test that utilizes liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to measure a defined panel of lipids indicative of a breast cancer-specific signature. Developed as a rule-out tool, BREASTEST plus is tailored for use in women with dense breast tissue—a group for whom mammography can sometimes yield inconclusive or false-negative results.
The test offers clinicians a new option to enhance diagnostic confidence alongside mammographic screening. By identifying patients unlikely to have breast cancer, it helps prioritize imaging resources and reduce unnecessary follow-ups.
Parikh concludes: “The fusion of lipidomic profiling with radiographic tools signifies a modification toward layered diagnostics. As the landscape of breast cancer screening continues to evolve, it enables earlier interventions and better patient outcomes through tailored approaches. This synergy is key to elevating the efficiency of breast cancer detection.”
