Head and Neck Cancer Diagnostics Market Size

Head and Neck Cancer Diagnostics Market Analysis

The Head and Neck Cancer Diagnostics Market size is estimated at USD 5.73 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 9.92 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 11.62% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems globally and significantly impacted the head and neck cancer diagnosis market. For instance, as per the article published in the Sage Journal in December 2021, approximately 88% of cancer centers across 54 countries reported difficulties in providing care, suggesting the pandemic's significant impact on cancer care. Early in the pandemic, there were proponents of delaying care for patients with mild symptoms of head and neck cancers (HNCs), given the vulnerability of this patient population to pulmonary complications associated with the virus. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the head and neck cancer diagnostics market. However, since the lockdown restrictions were lifted, the industry has been recovering well. Post-pandemic, the market is expected to gain traction over the coming years because of declining COVID-19 cases and the resumption of hospital services.

The growing burden of head and neck cancer and the rising geriatric population are expected to propel the market's growth over the forecast period. Oropharyngeal cancer is the most common type of head and neck cancer. It can affect several areas in and around the mouth, including the lips and tongue. According to the 2022 American Cancer Society Report, there were around 11 230 fatal cases and 54,000 new cases of the oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer, respectively, in the United States. Thus, the increasing prevalence of head and neck cancer is expected to raise demand for its early diagnosis, thereby boosting the market's growth over the forecast period.

Additionally, a growing number of diagnostic procedures for head and neck cancer is expected to propel the growth of the market. Endoscopy, head MRI, CT of the sinuses, head CT, panoramic dental x-ray, dental cone beam CT, PET/CT, or chest imaging is utilized to confirm a cancer diagnosis and determine the spread of malignancy. The increased adoption of these diagnostic techniques is expected to boost market growth over the forecast period. For instance, according to the study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology in November 2022, CT, MRI, and FDG PET/CT all play essential roles in the diagnosis, staging, therapy planning, and monitoring of head and neck cancers. Thus, the availability of several diagnostic techniques for head and neck cancer is expected to propel the growth of the market.

Moreover, various strategies taken by research institutes to increase awareness about head and neck cancer are expected to support market growth. For instance, in May 2021, the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) and PDS Biotechnology Corporation established a collaboration. This cooperation aims to improve knowledge of novel and developing treatment options for individuals with HPV-related head and neck cancer diagnoses, including available clinical trials.

Thus, all the factors above, such as the growing burden of head and neck cancer, are expected to boost the market over the forecast period. However, the high cost of diagnostic devices and reimbursement issues may restrain the market's growth.