Demand for Cancer Biopsy in Japan

Demand for Cancer Biopsy in Japan 2025 to 2035

The Japan cancer biopsy demand is valued at USD 1.7 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 6.4 billion by 2035, corresponding to a CAGR of 13.9%. Demand continues to rise as oncology centers adopt more rigorous diagnostic pathways, expand early-detection programmes, and use minimally invasive biopsy methods to improve clinical accuracy. Increased reliance on histopathological confirmation, integration of molecular profiling, and broader participation in screening among ageing populations also reinforce diagnostic volumes across healthcare institutions.

Tissue biopsies account for the largest share due to their central role in confirming malignancies, staging tumours, and guiding personalized treatment protocols. Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories continue to use tissue samples for immunohistochemistry, genomic analysis, and biomarker evaluation, supporting precise therapeutic decision-making in oncology care. The focus on improving sample quality, retrieval instruments, and workflow automation strengthens adoption of tissue-based assessments.

Quick Stats for Japan Cancer Biopsy Demand

• Japan Cancer Biopsy Sales Value (2025): USD 1.7 billion
• Japan Cancer Biopsy Forecast Value (2035): USD 6.4 billion
• Japan Cancer Biopsy Forecast CAGR (2025–2035): 13.9%
• Leading Type in Japan Cancer Biopsy Demand: Tissue Biopsies
• Key Growth Regions in Japan Cancer Biopsy Demand: Kyushu & Okinawa, Kanto, Kansai
• Top Players in Japan Cancer Biopsy Demand: Olympus Corporation, Hoya Corporation (Pentax Medical), Fujifilm Healthcare Corporation, Sysmex Corporation, BD Japan (Becton, Dickinson and Company)

Kyushu & Okinawa, Kanto, and Kansai report the highest utilization levels because of their concentration of tertiary hospitals, cancer treatment centres, and advanced diagnostic laboratories. These regions maintain strong availability of specialized oncology services and established referral pathways for invasive and minimally invasive biopsy procedures. Key suppliers include Olympus Corporation, Hoya Corporation (Pentax Medical), Fujifilm Healthcare Corporation, Sysmex Corporation, and BD Japan. These companies offer endoscopic biopsy tools, imaging-guided sampling devices, histopathology systems, and cytological testing platforms widely used in cancer diagnostics.

What is the Growth Forecast for Cancer Biopsy Industry in Japan through 2035?

Acceleration in Japan’s cancer-biopsy segment is steady in the early period, supported by rising screening participation, ageing demographics, and expanded use of minimally invasive diagnostic techniques. Hospitals and diagnostic centers increase biopsy volumes as imaging advances lead to earlier detection and more frequent follow-up investigations. This creates a consistent upward trajectory without sharp spikes, as utilization grows within established clinical pathways.

Mid-period acceleration remains moderate as biopsy procedures become more standardized across oncology networks. Adoption of image-guided techniques, liquid biopsy research, and improved pathology workflows adds incremental momentum. These developments support wider clinical use but move through structured approval and implementation cycles, which limit abrupt increases. Growth stays anchored in predictable diagnostic demand tied to cancer prevalence and screening rates.

Deceleration gradually appears in the later period as adoption enters a more mature phase. Procedure volumes continue to rise, but year-over-year gains narrow as capacity, staffing, and workflow efficiencies stabilize. Incremental improvements in diagnostic tools and targeted-therapy requirements sustain demand, though they do not accelerate the curve sharply.

Japan Cancer Biopsy Key Takeaways

Metric	Value
Japan Cancer Biopsy Sales Value (2025)	USD 1.7 billion
Japan Cancer Biopsy Forecast Value (2035)	USD 6.4 billion
Japan Cancer Biopsy Forecast CAGR (2025-2035)	13.9%

Why is the Demand for Cancer Biopsy in Japan Growing?

Demand for cancer biopsy procedures in Japan is increasing because early detection and precise tumour characterization are central to national cancer-control strategies. Japan’s ageing population shows rising incidence of lung, breast, colorectal and gastric cancers, which leads hospitals and clinics to perform more tissue and liquid biopsy tests for accurate diagnosis. Advances in imaging-guided biopsy, minimally invasive sampling and molecular testing support wider use in routine oncology care. Precision medicine programmes in major cancer centers also require high-quality biopsy specimens to guide targeted therapies and monitor treatment response.

Screening initiatives for breast and colorectal cancer increase the number of suspected cases that proceed to confirmatory biopsy. Improvements in pathology infrastructure and adoption of automated processing systems strengthen capacity in urban and regional hospitals. Constraints include shortage of trained pathologists in certain prefectures, procedural risks for elderly patients and variability in access to advanced biopsy equipment in smaller facilities. Some individuals delay diagnostic evaluation due to fear of invasive procedures or limited awareness of early symptoms. Turnaround times for molecular testing may also slow clinical decision making in resource-constrained settings.

Which Biopsy Types, Product Categories, and Clinical Applications Lead Demand for Cancer Biopsy in Japan?

Demand for cancer biopsy procedures in Japan aligns with rising diagnostic requirements across oncology centers, hospitals, and specialist clinics. Increasing emphasis on early detection, recurrence monitoring, and precision-focused evaluation drives adoption of tissue and liquid biopsy techniques. Japan’s healthcare system supports structured diagnostic workflows that incorporate molecular profiling, histopathology, and biomarker evaluation to guide treatment planning. Hospitals rely on standardized biopsy protocols, supported by laboratory services, imaging units, and pathology departments. Demand patterns reflect growing utilization of less invasive sampling options and test kits that streamline specimen handling across clinical settings.

By Type, Tissue Biopsies Account for the Largest Share of Demand

Tissue biopsies hold 48.0% and remain the primary diagnostic approach used in Japan. They provide direct access to tumor cells and allow detailed histological and molecular assessment essential for confirming malignancies. Liquid biopsies account for 36.0%, reflecting increasing adoption of minimally invasive sampling for mutation tracking and monitoring in situations where tissue access is limited. Other biopsy types represent 16.0%, including image-guided or specialized techniques used for select tumor sites requiring targeted sampling. Distribution across biopsy types indicates how Japanese clinicians employ a mix of traditional and emerging diagnostic approaches to support early detection, treatment planning, and surveillance across varied cancer pathways.

Key points:

• Tissue biopsies remain the standard diagnostic method.
• Liquid biopsies expand use in mutation monitoring.
• Other techniques support specialized sampling needs.

By Product Type, Kits and Consumables Hold the Largest Share

Kits and consumables represent 42.0%, forming the most used product group across Japanese pathology and oncology laboratories. These items include collection tubes, reagents, preservatives, and sample-processing tools that support high-volume diagnostic workflows. Services account for 35.0%, covering laboratory analysis, genomic profiling, and pathology reporting performed through accredited facilities. Instruments hold 23.0%, including biopsy needles, imaging-guided sampling tools, and automated laboratory equipment. Product use patterns reflect how Japan prioritizes standardized sample handling and consistent diagnostic accuracy. Demand is shaped by routine cancer screening practices, hospital laboratory capacity, and increasing integration of genomic assessment into treatment decision protocols.

Key points:

• Kits and consumables support routine diagnostic throughput.
• Services reflect reliance on specialized laboratory evaluation.
• Instruments support image-guided and minimally invasive sampling.

By Application, Breast Cancer Represents the Largest Share

Breast cancer accounts for 29.0% of biopsy demand in Japan, supported by structured screening programs and widespread clinical surveillance. Lung cancers represent 24.0%, requiring both tissue and liquid biopsy methods due to diverse tumor characteristics and mutation-focused treatment planning. Prostate cancers account for 18.0%, reflecting established biopsy pathways in urology settings. Colorectal cancer represents 16.0%, linked to colonoscopy-guided sampling and diagnostic evaluation. Cervical cancers account for 13.0%, supported by cytology follow-up and targeted sampling for lesion confirmation. Distribution across cancer types aligns with disease prevalence, screening practices, and reliance on histological confirmation prior to treatment planning.

Key points:

• Breast cancer leads due to strong screening participation.
• Lung cancers require integrated biopsy approaches.
• Prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancers follow established diagnostic pathways.

What are the Drivers, Restraints, and Key Trends of the Demand for Cancer Biopsy in Japan?

Rising cancer screening participation, expansion of diagnostic capacity in regional hospitals and increased use of image-guided procedures are driving demand.

In Japan, cancer biopsy demand grows as more adults participate in municipal and employer-based screening programs for gastric, breast, colorectal and lung cancers. Prefectures with large ageing populations such as Hokkaido, Aichi and Fukuoka see higher diagnostic referrals, which increases the volume of tissue sampling across hospital networks. Regional hospitals have expanded access to CT-guided, ultrasound-guided and endoscopic biopsy services to reduce patient travel to major tertiary centers in Tokyo and Osaka. Nationwide clinical practice emphasizes early detection through structured checkups, resulting in steady biopsy utilization for confirmatory diagnosis and staging.

Workforce shortages in pathology, limited adoption of advanced biopsy devices in smaller hospitals and cautious reimbursement for novel techniques restrain demand.

Japan faces a persistent shortage of pathologists and cytotechnologists, particularly outside major metropolitan areas, which can extend turnaround times and limit biopsy throughput. Smaller hospitals may delay upgrading to vacuum-assisted or robotic biopsy systems due to cost and limited procurement budgets. The national health insurance system evaluates reimbursement for new biopsy technologies conservatively, slowing wider adoption of liquid biopsy assays or specialized sampling devices. These operational and financial constraints moderate rapid expansion despite growing diagnostic needs.

Shift toward minimally invasive biopsy techniques, increased use of liquid biopsy in academic centers and rising demand for molecular testing define key trends.

Clinicians in Japan are adopting minimally invasive approaches such as endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy for pancreatic and gastric cancers, improving sampling accuracy with shorter recovery time. Academic hospitals and cancer research centers are expanding liquid biopsy use for monitoring treatment response or detecting actionable mutations in lung and gastrointestinal cancers. Demand for biopsy samples that support molecular testing is increasing as precision-medicine programs become more common, particularly for lung cancer, breast cancer and hematologic malignancies. These trends indicate a continued shift toward more advanced, integrated biopsy workflow across Japan’s oncology landscape.

Analysis of the Demand for Cancer Biopsy in Japan by Region

Demand for cancer biopsy procedures in Japan is increasing through 2035 as hospitals, diagnostic centers, oncology clinics, and screening programs expand the use of tissue sampling, liquid biopsies, image-guided biopsies, and molecular testing. Growth reflects regional healthcare capacity, screening participation rates, adoption of precision diagnostics, and the availability of advanced imaging systems used to guide biopsy procedures. Kyushu & Okinawa leads at 17.3%, followed by Kanto (16.0%), Kansai (14.0%), Chubu (12.3%), Tohoku (10.8%), and Rest of Japan (10.3%).

Region	CAGR (2025-2035)
Kyushu & Okinawa	17.3%
Kanto	16.0%
Kansai	14.0%
Chubu	12.3%
Tohoku	10.8%
Rest of Japan	10.3%

How is the Kyushu & Okinawa region driving demand for cancer biopsy services?

Kyushu & Okinawa grows at 17.3% CAGR, supported by expanding oncology infrastructure, rising participation in diagnostic screenings, and strong hospital adoption of image-guided and minimally invasive biopsy methods. Prefectures such as Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima maintain large medical centers equipped with CT-guided, ultrasound-guided, and endoscopic biopsy capabilities. Hospitals integrate molecular pathology to support accurate cancer typing and treatment planning. Public-health programs promote early screening for gastric, colorectal, and breast cancers, increasing demand for confirmatory biopsy procedures. Okinawa shows steady growth due to rising diagnostic awareness and increased availability of advanced imaging systems in regional hospitals. Collaboration between hospitals and local clinics improves referral efficiency, ensuring timely access to biopsy services.

• Hospitals performing CT- and ultrasound-guided biopsies
• Screening programs increasing need for confirmatory diagnostics
• Molecular pathology supporting precision diagnosis
• Clinic-hospital referral networks improving patient flow

How is the Kanto region shaping demand for cancer biopsy services?

Kanto grows at 16.0% CAGR, influenced by high healthcare density, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and strong screening uptake across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba. Major cancer centers in Tokyo operate full-scale biopsy units offering core-needle biopsies, endoscopic biopsies, stereotactic breast biopsies, and liquid biopsy testing. Hospitals incorporate genomic profiling to support precision oncology. Urban populations participate actively in routine screenings, increasing demand for follow-up tissue sampling. Outpatient diagnostic centers offer fast-turnaround biopsy appointments, improving early detection. Kanto’s strong medical-device presence enables rapid distribution of biopsy needles, imaging systems, and pathology equipment across hospitals and clinics.

• Cancer centers conducting advanced tissue-sampling procedures
• High screening rates driving biopsy demand
• Genomic testing integrated into diagnostic workflows
• Diagnostic centers providing rapid outpatient biopsy access

How is the Kansai region influencing demand for cancer biopsy services?

Kansai grows at 14.0% CAGR, supported by strong regional hospital networks, university medical centers, and consistent screening participation across Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Hospitals deploy endoscopic, image-guided, and surgical biopsy methods to evaluate suspected cancer cases derived from gastric, breast, lung, and colorectal screenings. University hospitals integrate advanced molecular diagnostics for precise tumor classification. Urban districts maintain high outpatient diagnostic activity, with clinics referring suspected cases to larger hospitals for confirmatory biopsy. Healthcare institutions in Osaka and Kyoto invest in updated imaging technologies to improve biopsy accuracy. Regional screening campaigns reinforce early consultation, contributing to steady demand growth.

• Hospitals performing a wide range of biopsy procedures
• University centers advancing molecular diagnostic use
• Clinics referring patients to hospital biopsy units
• Imaging system upgrades improving diagnostic accuracy

How is the Chubu region contributing to demand for cancer biopsy services?

Chubu grows at 12.3% CAGR, shaped by balanced healthcare networks, expanding diagnostic services, and rising cancer-screening participation across Nagoya, Shizuoka, and surrounding prefectures. General hospitals maintain biopsy capabilities including endoscopic, ultrasound-guided, and surgical tissue sampling. Urban centers near Nagoya show strong adoption of molecular pathology and digital diagnostic platforms. Municipal programs encourage routine screenings, increasing follow-up biopsy activity. Clinics collaborate with hospitals for rapid referral of suspected cancer cases, sustaining a consistent procedural pipeline. Logistics networks in Aichi and Shizuoka ensure reliable supply of biopsy devices and pathology consumables.

• Hospitals conducting image-guided and endoscopic biopsies
• Screening programs increasing diagnostic follow-ups
• Clinics coordinating referrals to oncology departments
• Pathology labs supporting molecular testing workflows

How is the Tohoku region shaping demand for cancer biopsy services?

Tohoku grows at 10.8% CAGR, driven by increasing use of screening programs, expanding diagnostic capacity, and strengthened regional hospital networks across Sendai, Aomori, Akita, and Fukushima. Hospitals adopt image-guided and endoscopic biopsy methods to confirm suspected cases identified in municipal screenings. Rural areas rely on regional hospitals for advanced biopsy services, supported by clinic referrals and public-health outreach. Tele-consultation channels assist in early evaluation, directing patients toward appropriate diagnostic pathways. Seasonal and geographic challenges increase reliance on centralized hospital diagnostics, leading to steady biopsy utilization.

• Hospitals performing core and image-guided biopsies
• Public-health programs supporting early screening
• Clinics referring patients to regional oncology centers
• Tele-consultation improving diagnostic access

How is the Rest of Japan region contributing to demand for cancer biopsy services?

Rest of Japan grows at 10.3% CAGR, influenced by smaller but steadily developing healthcare facilities, increasing screening participation, and greater awareness of early cancer detection. Local hospitals perform standard biopsy procedures including endoscopic and ultrasound-guided sampling. Clinics support early identification through routine checkups and direct referrals to larger diagnostic centers. Public-health offices conduct awareness programs promoting early screening and consultation. Regional hospitals maintain pathology units capable of processing tissue samples with reliable turnaround times, ensuring timely treatment planning.

• Local hospitals conducting key biopsy procedures
• Clinics identifying suspected cases for referral
• Public-health offices promoting screening participation
• Regional pathology units supporting timely sample analysis

What is the competitive landscape of cancer-biopsy demand in Japan?

Demand for cancer-biopsy procedures in Japan is shaped by domestic endoscopy and diagnostics manufacturers that support hospitals, cancer centers, and pathology laboratories. Olympus Corporation holds an estimated 22.0% share, supported by controlled production of endoscopic biopsy forceps, stable mechanical precision, and deep integration with Japan’s gastrointestinal-screening programmes. Its devices provide consistent tissue-sampling reliability across large hospital systems. Hoya Corporation (Pentax Medical) maintains strong participation through endoscopic biopsy instruments paired with high-resolution imaging systems. These tools ensure steady sampling accuracy and predictable handling characteristics in routine and specialized procedures. Fujifilm Healthcare Corporation contributes significant volume with biopsy tools, endoscopes, and imaging technologies widely used across oncology diagnostics.

Sysmex Corporation supports downstream biopsy workflows with liquid-biopsy analysis platforms and pathology-support systems, offering dependable assay stability and integration with clinical-diagnostic laboratories. BD Japan adds depth with core-needle biopsy devices and cytology-collection systems used in breast, lung, and soft-tissue sampling, emphasizing controlled needle performance and consistent sample integrity. Competition in Japan centers on sampling precision, instrument reliability, imaging integration, pathology-workflow efficiency, and nationwide clinical-support networks. Demand remains steady as hospitals expand early cancer detection, standardised biopsy protocols, and minimally invasive sampling technologies across Japan’s oncology-care system.

Key Players in Japan Cancer Biopsy Demand

• Olympus Corporation
• Hoya Corporation (Pentax Medical)
• Fujifilm Healthcare Corporation
• Sysmex Corporation
• BD Japan (Becton, Dickinson and Company)

Scope of the Report

Items	Values
Quantitative Units	USD billion
Type	Tissue Biopsies, Liquid Biopsies, Other Types
Product Type	Kits and Consumables, Services, Instruments
Application	Breast Cancer, Lung Cancers, Prostate Cancers, Colorectal Cancer, Cervical Cancers
Regions Covered	Kyushu & Okinawa, Kanto, Kansai, Chubu, Tohoku, Rest of Japan
Key Companies Profiled	Olympus Corporation, Hoya Corporation (Pentax Medical), Fujifilm Healthcare Corporation, Sysmex Corporation, BD Japan (Becton, Dickinson and Company)
Additional Attributes	Dollar sales by biopsy type, product category, and cancer application; regional adoption trends across Kyushu & Okinawa, Kanto, Kansai, Chubu, Tohoku, and Rest of Japan; growth in minimally invasive biopsy techniques, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing, and image-guided biopsy procedures; integration of biopsy tools with advanced imaging, pathology automation, and molecular diagnostics; role of early cancer screening initiatives and hospital infrastructure upgrades; competitive landscape of Japanese diagnostic device and biopsy solution providers.

Japan Cancer Biopsy Demand by Segments

Type:

• Tissue Biopsies
• Liquid Biopsies
• Other Types

Product Type:

• Kits and Consumables
• Services
• Instruments

Application:

• Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancers
• Prostate Cancers
• Colorectal Cancer
• Cervical Cancers

Region:

• Kyushu & Okinawa
• Kanto
• Kansai
• Chubu
• Tohoku
• Rest of Japan