A new high-precision radiotherapy treatment introduced by NHS England is set to offer a faster and more convenient treatment option for thousands of men with prostate cancer.Known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), the treatment delivers high-dose radiation in just five sessions over two weeks, compared with the 20 or more sessions typically required with conventional radiotherapy. This means eligible patients can complete treatment with 15 fewer hospital visits, reducing the burden of travel and time spent in care.Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK. More than 55,000 men are diagnosed with the disease each year, while around 12,300 die from it annually.According to NHS Chief Executive Sir Jim Mackey, the new therapy will "transform" treatment for thousands of men with localized prostate cancer while enabling the NHS to provide "far more powerful and more convenient" cancer care.How Does SABR Work?According to NHS England, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) delivers highly targeted radiation to the tumor from multiple angles, helping reduce the risk of the cancer returning or spreading.The treatment delivers a higher dose of radiation with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue and reducing the likelihood of side effects."This technology lets us focus a powerful and precise beam of radiotherapy directly onto the cancer, limiting the damage to healthy cells – and the fact it can be delivered in 15 fewer doses will help men get back to living their lives far more quickly," said Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer.Also known as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), SABR is already used to treat certain lung and brain cancers. It is now being offered on the NHS to eligible men with low- and intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer.Also read: Minimally Invasive Focal Therapy For Prostate Cancer Promises Fewer Side Effects Than Surgery Or Radiotherapy Who Can Benefit?Around 17,500 men in England are diagnosed with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer each year and could be eligible for SABR.NHS modeling suggests that nearly one in five of these patients—around 3,500 men annually—may choose the treatment to help reduce the risk of their cancer spreading.The treatment is expected to be available across all 48 NHS radiotherapy centers in England, with the first hospitals beginning to offer it from next week.Could Reduce Waiting TimesThe NHS estimates that introducing SABR for prostate cancer could free up around 50,000 treatment appointments each year.By shortening treatment schedules and reducing the number of hospital visits, the rollout is expected to improve capacity across radiotherapy services while helping bring down waiting times for cancer patients.However, SABR is not suitable for everyone with localized prostate cancer. Experts advise patients to discuss their treatment options with their specialist team, while ongoing research continues to evaluate the therapy in different patient groups.What Is Prostate Cancer?Read More: Over 40% Prostate Cancer Patients in India Diagnosed After Cancer Has Spread: ICMR studyThe prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably in the gland.Experts say not all prostate cancers are life-threatening. Many are slow-growing and may never affect a man's lifespan. In fact, such cancers are found in around one in three men over the age of 50. However, a smaller number of prostate cancers are aggressive, spread quickly, and require prompt treatment, making early detection and regular screening important.Symptoms of Prostate CancerEarly-stage prostate cancer may cause:Blood in the urine or semenDifficulty urinatingErectile dysfunctionMore advanced prostate cancer may lead to:Decreased force of the urine streamBone painUnexplained weight loss.