It is expected that SABR for localised prostate cancer will be offered at all 48 radiotherapy providers across England, with the first centres making it available from next week.

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS chief executive, said: ‘This cutting-edge approach will transform treatment for thousands of men with prostate cancer, helping the NHS provide far more powerful and convenient care to stop their cancer spreading.

‘Having been proven effective in keeping cancer under control, this technology will not only help reduce the risk of certain side effects but also the major "to-and-fro" burden of hospital treatment, which can be really draining for so many patients and their families.'

SABR is typically delivered in five doses within a fortnight, compared to at least 20 doses with standard (external beam) radiotherapy.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 55,000 men being diagnosed every year and around 12,300 still losing their lives.

Around 17,500 men are diagnosed with low or intermediate risk prostate cancer in England each year and could be offered the option of SABR radiotherapy.

Modelling by the NHS suggests nearly a fifth of men with this form of cancer (around 3,500) may choose to take up the option of SABR to treat their cancer and reduce the risk of it spreading.