Medical Radiation Shielding Market Size & Share Analysis – Industry Research Report on Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 – 2030)

Medical Radiation Shielding Market Analysis

The Global Medical Radiation Shielding Market size is estimated at USD 1.07 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.43 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.94% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The growing utilization of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy for diagnostic and treatment purposes, increased chronic disease cases such as cancer, and heightened safety awareness among individuals working in environments exposed to radiation are the growth factors of the medical radiation shielding market.

Cancer is among the most common chronic diseases worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise annually. This growing number of cancer cases is expected to drive up the demand for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, which typically rely on radiation devices like computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays. For instance, according to the data published by the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) in February 2024, there will be around 21.3 million cancer cases globally by 2025, and it is expected to reach 24.1 million by 2030. Additionally, an article published by the World Health Organization in February 2024, estimated that there will be over 35 million new cancer cases by 2050 globally, reflecting a 77% rise from the approximately 20 million cases anticipated in 2022. This increase is attributed to the growing aging population and shifts in individuals’ exposure to risk factors. As cancer incidence continues to rise, the global demand for radiation shielding products is expected to grow over the forecast period.

The rising demand for treatment procedures for diseases like cancer and neurological disorders leads to an increase in the use of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. This trend is expected to drive the demand for medical radiation shielding materials and products, thereby fostering growth in the market. For instance, the data published by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health in August 2024 reported that around 156.3 thousand positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) examinations funded by the public were conducted in Canada in 2022–2023, which amounted to a national average of 3.9 exams for every 1,000 individuals. Additionally, the report published by Radiotherapy United Kingdom in June 2023 mentioned that radiotherapy is a crucial method for treating cancer, alongside surgery and medication. It plays a role in 50% of cancer treatments and contributes to 40% of cancer recoveries. According to the same source, approximately 100 thousand cancer patients in the United Kingdom undergo radiotherapy each year. Thus, as the incidence of cancer continues to rise, the need for radiotherapy procedures is anticipated to grow, which is likely to have a favorable effect on the market.

Overall industry analysis shows that the rise in chronic diseases and the growing use of radiotherapy are anticipated to drive medical radiation shielding market growth during the forecast period. However, the high cost associated with radiation shielding and the necessity for increased awareness among healthcare professionals can hinder the market’s expansion.

Medical Radiation Shielding Market Trends and Insights

The Diagnostic Shielding Segment is Expected to Experience Considerable Growth as per this Market Forecast

By solution, diagnostic shielding is expected to experience the most rapid growth, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.34% between 2024 and 2029. The market research report forecasts that this segment will have a market value of USD 0.75 billion in 2024 and reach USD 0.98 billion by 2029.

Patient shielding is critical in diagnostic imaging and plays a vital role in radiology. It has been employed in radiology departments to mitigate the effects and risks associated with ionizing radiation on specific organs. In diagnostic shielding, a protective object, such as a blanket or rubber mat containing radiation-absorbing materials, is utilized and positioned in direct contact with the area that requires protection. The diagnostic shielding segment is driven by developments in medical imaging technologies and the increasing global use of diagnostic imaging procedures.

Medical agencies’ growing concerns about radiation’s harmful effects are also expected to propel market growth. For instance, an article published in the Radiologie (Heidelb) Journal in June 2023 highlighted that the Radiation Protection Committee had issued a recommendation on using patient radiation shields, considering recent findings on dose reductions and the dangers associated with improper use. Consequently, diagnostic shielding products are anticipated to facilitate accurate diagnoses while minimizing radiation exposure, thereby driving growth in this segment throughout the forecast period.

Various strategies of market participants, including product launches, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships, are anticipated to enhance growth in the diagnostic shielding segment. For instance, in November 2023, Guardant Health, Inc. launched its blood-based colorectal cancer screening test, Shield, in partnership with Samsung Medical Center in South Korea. This innovative Shield test, designed for regular colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in eligible individuals, detects cancer at its early stages by analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which is released into the bloodstream when tumors shed small fragments of their genetic material. Moreover, in February 2023, Specialist Door Solutions (SDS) expanded its range of fire-rated hospital door sets by launching Shieldoor lead-lined x-ray doors, which provide protection from harmful radiation and can withstand the rigorous conditions found in hospital and radiology settings. Such initiatives by the market players are anticipated to help the segment’s growth.

At a segment level, with the rising adoption of diagnostic shielding products and advancements in diagnostic imaging, the diagnostic shielding segment is anticipated to experience considerable growth throughout the forecast period.

Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers Segment is Expected to Occupy the Largest Medical Radiation Shielding Market Share Over the Forecast Period

By end-user segment, the hospitals and diagnostic centers segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.93% from 2024 to 2029. This segment is projected to achieve a market size of USD 0.09 billion in 2024, eventually growing to USD 0.12 billion by 2029.

Radiation shielding limits unnecessary radiation exposure to patients, thereby minimizing the harmful effects of ionizing radiation during radiology examinations or radiation surgeries. In medicine, ionizing radiation has become indispensable for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. The increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure development by both the government and the private sector, particularly in emerging countries, fuel the establishment of new healthcare facilities and diagnostic centers equipped with radiation-shielded facilities. Hence, the increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure and rising demand for diagnostic imaging procedures are anticipated to fuel the hospitals and diagnostic centers segment.

The medical radiation shielding market research is segmented into solution and end user. By solution, the market is segmented into radiation therapy shielding and diagnostic shielding. By end user, the market is segmented into hospitals and diagnostic centers, research institutes, and other end users. Other end users consist of radioisotope manufacturing companies, universities, and academics. This segmentation highlighted the different solutions and potential growth opportunities in the medical radiation shielding market, driven by its importance in health and disease management.

North America is Anticipated to Register Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period

The North American market is expected to capture a considerable portion, with projections suggesting it will reach USD 0.41 billion in 2024 and grow to USD 0.55 billion by 2029. The North America medical radiation shielding market is anticipated to expand during the forecast period due to increased chronic disease prevalence, a higher adoption of nuclear medicine and radiology services, a robust presence of industry participants, and improved regional healthcare infrastructure.

Radiation therapy is a crucial treatment option utilized for cancer patients in the North America region. The rising incidence of cancer cases is expected to drive up the need for radiation shielding, enhancing market growth during the forecast period in North America. For instance, the data published by the American Cancer Society in January 2024 estimated that over 2.0 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, a rise from the 1.9 million cases reported in 2023. Moreover, according to the data published by the Canadian Cancer Society in 2024, it was projected that 247.1 thousand Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in 2024, an increase from the 239.1 thousand new cancer cases reported in 2023. Hence, with the rising cancer cases, the demand for radiation therapy is expected to increase for cancer treatment, thus contributing to the market growth.

Further, nuclear medicine has gained significant traction throughout the United States. Nearly 50% of cancer patients incorporate radiotherapy into their treatment plans. In response to the growing utilization of radiotherapy among the population, the United States government proposed several strategic measures to minimize radiation exposure for workers. For instance, a Radiological Health Regulation was implemented in the United States in February 2023. This regulation emphasizes the importance of radiation protection during medical procedures. It also mandates specific record-keeping and reporting for electronic products and establishes performance standards for diagnostic X-ray systems, as well as laser and ultrasonic therapy products. Thus, such regulations developed by the government are expected to boost the adoption of radiation shielding products, thus contributing to the overall medical radiation shielding market growth.

Additionally, government initiatives to enhance cancer awareness by introducing new programs are likely to raise the demand for medical radiation shielding products, thereby driving market growth in the region. For instance, in January 2024, Nova Scotia introduced a Lung Screening Program aimed at individuals at a significantly elevated risk of developing lung cancer, which encompasses clinical evaluations and computerized tomography (CT) scans. Thus, with such government initiatives, the cancer diagnosis will improve, further propelling the market growth in the region.

Therefore, the significant incidence of cancer in North America, along with efforts to enhance cancer treatment and radiotherapy services, is anticipated to propel market growth in North America during the forecast period.

By geography, the global market is segmented into North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Middle East and Africa (GCC, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa), and South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America). The East Africa and Asia-Pacific regions, particularly nations such as China, Japan, and India, are experiencing rapid growth driven by the high prevalence of cancer, a rising elderly population, increasing demand for healthcare services, and government investments in healthcare infrastructure.