Hospitals are the largest end‑user segment — they have the LINACs, the medical physicists, and the emergency backup. But cancer centers are the fastest‑growing. The medical linear accelerator market research study shows that cancer centers are growing at over 5% CAGR, because they focus solely on oncology and offer a patient‑centred experience.

What's the difference? A hospital‑based centre may treat all cancers, while a cancer centre may specialise (e.g., proton therapy centre). The medical linear accelerator market trends highlight that the fastest‑growing energy segment is high‑energy, used in specialised centres.

But cancer centers may not have 24/7 coverage for emergencies. That's why complex cases (e.g., paediatric) are better done in hospitals.

The bottom line: for routine radiation, a good cancer centre is fine. For complex or emergent cases, go to a hospital.