The digital mammography market will reach $1.3 billion in 2017, buoyed by increased preference for digital systems, more competition and rising reimbursement rates, according to a new market report teaser.

In a report announced Friday, research firm GlobalData said the full-field digital mammography (FFDM) sector will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8 percent from 2010 to 2017. The market was valued at about $801 million in 2010, the firm said.

"Film-screen mammography systems will continue to be replaced with FFDM systems to meet high patient volume and for improvement in the detection of breast cancer," GlobalData said.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first full-field digital mammo system in 2000. In November 2010, the agency downgraded the risk classification of the devices, making it easier to bring them to market, a development GlobalData cites as a "major factor" in the field's future growth.

"The FDA approvals for FFDM systems from Hologic, GE Healthcare and Siemens Healthcare in 2011 is expected to further intensify the competition, in turn providing cost effective solutions for the customers," GlobalData said.

According to the report, United States is the biggest market, and accounted for 51 percent of the field's global revenues in 2010, or about $407 million. And the U.S. market will reach $714 million over the next five years.

The report is "Full-Field Digital Mammography Equipment - Global Pipeline Analysis, Competitive Landscape and Market Forecasts to 2017."

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