Colorectal Cancer Screening Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Stool-based Tests (Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), and Stool-DNA Test), Colonoscopy, and Others), By End-user (Hospitals & Clinics, Clinical Laboratories, Diagnostics Imaging Centers, and Others), and Forecast, 2022-2029

The global colorectal cancer screening market size was valued at USD 14.32 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 17.02 billion in 2022 to USD 22.88 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with colorectal cancer screening experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the market exhibited a decline of -59.6% in 2020 as compared to 2019. 

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) occurs when the cancerous cells begin to grow and spread in the colon or rectum part of the digestive tract. It is also called bowel cancer. Early colorectal cancer cases begin with the development of non-cancerous polyps and can have no symptoms but can be detected through screening tests. CRC screening is the detection of the disease for people who are asymptomatic but at high risk of getting the disease and are of age 45 and above. Symptoms of CRC depend upon the size and site of cancer. Major disease symptoms include changes in bowel habits, stool consistency, blood in the stool, and abdominal discomfort. The increasing incidence of CRC has increased the need for screening for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

The global colorectal cancer screening market growth is attributed to its increasing prevalence of disease and rising government programs in order to control its side effects. Furthermore, the increasing focus of the market players on the launch of new and advanced products is one of the major factors driving the market growth.

• For instance, In May 2022, Guardant Health announced the launch of Shield, a blood-based test for the detection of early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC), which is available for adults aged 45 and older. The test requires patients to complete a blood draw and is intended for adults age 45 and older who are not up to date with recommended screening guidelines, show no symptoms, and are at average risk for CRC.

COVID-19 Impact

COVID-19 Negatively Affected the Market due to Low Volume of Colorectal Cancer Screening 

The impact of COVID-19 resulted in the decline of the CRC screening market growth during the pandemic. This was due to the lockdown restrictions and halt in CRC screening during the pandemic. Screening through colonoscopies was stopped entirely in 2020 in many countries in order to minimize person-to-person contact and to conserve hospital and medical resources for people exposed to COVID-19. Based on revenue, the global market witnessed a decline in its growth by -59.6% in 2020 compared to the prior year. The rate of people being screened through government programs also experienced a decline during the pandemic.

• For instance, in Australia, the number of individuals being screened by the country’s National Bowel Screening Program experienced a decline of around -5.8% in 2020 compared to 2019.

Moreover, the market players also experienced a decline in the sales of their products due to low demand during the pandemic. This resulted in a decrease in the revenues generated from the company’s CRC product portfolio.

• For instance, Epigenomics AG generated a revenue of USD 1.0 million in 2020, experiencing a decline of -25.2% due to a decline in the sales of the company’s screening products. The decline in the demand for tests of the company was due to the decrease in the number of screening procedures being conducted.

However, there was a significant rebound in the global market in 2021, as CRC screening increased significantly, especially in high-burden countries. As the lockdown restrictions were relaxed, CRC screening increased and is expected to grow considerably as before the pandemic.

LATEST TRENDS

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Emergence of New Technologies to Boost the Market Growth

The market players have increased their focus on the development and commercialization of technologically advanced products for efficient screening due to the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer globally and increasing awareness regarding the early testing and treatment of the disease.

The market players in recent years have developed products for the detection of CRC, which identifies cells released by colorectal polyps and tumors into the bloodstream for cancer screening.

• For instance, in 2019, Medtronic plc launched the GI Genius intelligent endoscopy. The GI Genius module uses artificial intelligence to detect colorectal polyps, providing physicians with a powerful new solution to help patients fight against CRC.

The approval and commercialization of these screening tests are expected to encourage other market players to launch more tests to increase the volume of tests for colorectal cancer during the forecast period.

Such new technologies for the detection of CRC are increasing the adoption of tests, thereby fueling the overall global market growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

Government Initiatives and Policies Associated with Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests to Drive the Market

Government across various countries has increased the policies for CRC screening in order to reduce the disease globally. In order to control the increasing burden of CRC, government across many countries has taken certain initiatives such as regular screening programs for individuals who are at risk of getting affected by the disease. Many countries have increased their emphasis on the development of policies to increase the screening rates for colorectal cancer.

These programs help in the detection of CRC at minimal cost and are one of the prominent factors increasing the number of screening procedures being conducted globally, especially in developed countries such as the United States, South Korea, and the U.K.

• According to a study published by Korean Cancer Association in 2019, in Korea, CRC screening is provided to all people over 50 at no or minimal cost by National Cancer Screening Program.

The increasing aging population coupled with government initiatives are expected to propel the adoption of various tests, thereby fueling the overall market growth.

Increasing Incidence of Colorectal Cancer to Boost the Market Growth

One of the major drivers that is positively impacting the growth of the market is the significant increase in the incidence of CRC globally. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading cause of death in countries across the globe

The incidence of CRC is higher in developed countries, and it is increasing in middle- and low-income countries due to unhealthy lifestyle choices and a surge in the aging population in these countries. 

• For instance, in 2020, the American Cancer Society, Inc. estimated that rectal cancer and colon cancer cases diagnosed in the U.S. were 43,340 and 104,610, respectively.


• Similarly, as per an article published by ScienceDirect in 2021, an estimated 1.93 million new CRC cases were diagnosed in 2020, and 0.94 million people died due to colorectal cancer the same year globally.

Such increasing incidence of CRC and its increasing mortality rate has increased the demand for the detection of CRC and is expected to propel the global colorectal cancer screening market growth in the coming years.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Adverse Effects of Colonoscopies to Limit Colonoscopy Tests in the Future

Despite a serious and increased need for advanced and efficient screening procedures, certain limitations associated with the screening devices can limit their adoption.

For instance, colonoscopy is a highly accurate test and has the highest positivity rate. However, there are several side effects associated with the colonoscopy procedure, such as infection and bleeding, which can be caused to the patient after the colonoscopy procedure is done.

• According to the study published by NCBI in 2019, the perforation rate ranges from 0.005-0.085%, and post-colonoscopy bleeding occurs in 0.001-0.687% of cases. Moreover, the overall perforation rate trend during colonoscopy procedures in the past 15 years has not changed significantly.

Furthermore, there are several post-colonoscopy complications, such as severe pain or belly cramps, a hard belly, trouble passing gas or pooping, fever, dizziness, vomiting, frequent or severely bloody bowel movements, rectal bleeding that won't stop, or excess bleeding, which is anticipated to reduce the number of colonoscopy procedures during the forecast period.

Such limitations and adverse effects associated with CRC screening procedures are expected to hamper the market growth during the forecast timeframe.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

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High Positivity Rate Associated with Screening through Colonoscopes to Boost the Segment’s Growth

Based on type, the global market is segregated into stool-based, colonoscopy, and others. The colonoscopy segment generated the highest revenue in 2021 and is expected to grow at a moderate CAGR during the forecast timeframe. The segment’s dominant share is attributed to the high accuracy of the procedure and the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer.

• For instance, according to World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI), in 2020, the estimated incidence of colorectal cancer was 1.9 million globally.

Furthermore, stool-based tests are expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast timeframe. The segment’s growth is due to the rising government programs for CRC screening and time-efficient results obtained from stool-based tests. The stool-based segment is further sub-segmented into fecal occult blood tests (gFOBT), fecal immunochemical tests (FIT/iFOBT), and stool-DNA tests. The FIT screening tests are expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to their simple use and high positivity rate as compared to other stool-based tests.

By End-user Analysis

Strong Presence of Hospitals & Clinics to Boost Segment’s Growth 

Based on end-user, the market is categorized into hospitals & clinics, clinical laboratories, diagnostic imaging centers, and others.

The hospitals & clinics segment accounted for a significant share of the market in 2021. Factors such as the presence of a substantial number of hospitals and the increasing number of CRC screening procedures conducted in hospitals are responsible for the segment’s growth.

The diagnostics imaging centers are estimated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing trend of CRC screening through colonoscopies and the increasing number of diagnostics centers conducting colonoscopy procedures across the world are some of the key factors contributing to segmental growth.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The North American colorectal cancer screening market generated a revenue of USD 9.27 billion in 2021. The highly aware and economically stable population is a key factor for the large share of the market in North America. Moreover, the adoption of technologically advanced and high-cost tests such as Cologuard, colonoscopies, and other stool-based tests in the region is also expected to propel the market growth during the forecast period.

The market in Europe is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing demand for screening procedures such as stool-based testing in European countries, the presence of government programs, and rising awareness about the disease in key European countries are some of the major factors expected to boost market growth in Europe.

• For instance, United European Gastroenterology (UEG), with the European Code against Cancer, regulates CRC screening across Europe with organized, population-based screening programs and proactively promotes screening.

The market across Asia Pacific region is expected to expand at a substantial CAGR in the projected years. The enhancement and improvement of healthcare facilities in Asian countries, increasing CRC incidence the countries across the region, and the increasing consciousness of the individuals in terms of better treatment outcomes are driving the regional market growth.

• For instance, as per a research article published by NCBI, in 2018, in China, in terms of the highest incidence and mortality rate, CRC ranked fourth and fifth of all cancer cases.

The market in Middle East & Africa, and Latin America are also expected to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing burden of colorectal cancer, rising government initiatives to create awareness about the disease along with easy availability of screening tests such as FIT and FOBT are responsible for the growth of the market for colorectal cancer screening across these regions.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Companies with Strong Focus on Expansion of Colorectal Cancer Screening Portfolio to Hold Key Market Share

Olympus Corporation, Exact Sciences Corporation, and Quest Diagnostics are the prominent players in the market and captured a considerable global colorectal cancer screening market share in 2021.

Olympus Corporation and Exact Sciences Corporation accounted for major shares of the market in 2021. Olympus Corporation dominated the market in 2021, accounting for a significant market share. This was due to the company’s product portfolio for colonoscopy, which consists of efficient and technologically advanced colonoscopes.

Similarly, Exact Sciences Corporation held a considerable share of the market in 2021. This was due to the company’s product Cologuard with a strong sales and distribution network in the U.S.

Other significant players, including FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, and Clinical Genomics Technologies Pty Ltd, are emphasizing research and development activities for the launch of new and technologically advanced products in order to strengthen their market position.

• In October 2021, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation announced the launch of its El-740D/S dual-channel endoscope. Fujifilm's EI-740D/S is the first dual-channel endoscope cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in both lower and upper gastrointestinal applications.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• NOVIGENIX SA (Switzerland)


• EIKEN CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (Japan)


• Clinical Genomics Technologies Pty Ltd. (U.S.)


• Exact Sciences Corporation  (U.S.)


• Epigenomics AG (Germany)


• bioMérieux, Inc. (France)


• Olympus Corporation (Japan)


• KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG (Germany)


• FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2022 – New Horizon Health and Prenetics announced their strategic partnership to launch ColoClear by Circle in China.


• March 2021 – Olympus Corporation announced the approval of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) to assess the neoplastic potential of colorectal polyps by FDA 510(k). By applying the NBI International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) classification during a screening colonoscopy, physicians can make high-confidence predictions of histology for polyps 5mm or smaller, known as diminutive polyps.


• August 2020 – Olympus Corporation announced the acquisition of Arc Medical Design Limited (Arc Medical Design), a subsidiary of Norgine B.V. The acquisition helped the company in the development of advanced colonoscopy, thereby expanding its product portfolio for gastrointestinal therapeutics devices.


• April 2020 – Clinical Genomics Technologies Pty Ltd. expanded its strategic alliance with Quest diagnostics by increasing the investment in the company. The alliance expanded the company’s commercialization rights for the Trident Program and COLVERA for CRC monitoring outside the U.S., Mexico, U.K., and India.


• January 2020 – Novigenix SA, in a consortium including Maastricht University (The Netherlands), Biolizard, and the KU Leuven (Belgium), received a grant of around USD 1.1 million to develop a blood-based multi-omics colorectal cancer (CRC) test.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Colorectal Cancer Screening Market

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The market report provides a detailed competitive landscape. It includes the incidence of CRC and key industry developments such as partnerships, mergers, & acquisitions. Additionally, it focuses on key points such as new product launches in the market. Furthermore, the report covers regional analysis of different segments, company profiles of key market players, s, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. The report consists of quantitative and qualitative insights that contribute to the market's growth.

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