DENVER -- The cure for breast cancer could come in a shot. A breakthrough discovery is bringing a new sense of reality that an end to the disease could be in the future.

The new vaccine created by scientists at the Cleveland Clinic has prevented cancerous tumors from growing in mice. That is why doctors, patients and survivors hope the same technology will work in humans.

With 19 marathons under her belt, Saundra Robinson is a picture of good health.

"You feel like there's nothing that can get in your way," said Robinson.

But just five years ago, Saundra faced a big hurdle. She was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"You flashback on that and you think, 'Why me?' Then you think as my minister said in a recent sermon, 'Why not me?'" said Robinson.

Saundra's a survivor and is intrigued by the new cancer research by the Cleveland Clinic.

For the last eight years, scientists have been testing the vaccine on mice.

The vaccine has prevented tumors from forming and has stopped the growth of existing ones, by targeting specific proteins.

"This is a ground changer,” said Dr. Mehmet Oz.

During a visit to 7NEWS, Dr. Oz said the next step is clinical trials on cancer patients.

"If we can just educate our bodies to keep up with the cancer cells as we do with viruses, we can knock them off just as easily," said Dr. Oz.

It's news that will motivate Saundra, who is getting ready to run the New York City Marathon.

"It's pretty exciting to hear that there's really major progress being done," said Robinson.

Doctors say it may be at least five years before the success of the research is known.

The current challenge is to raise money for those studies and to keep encouraging women to get exams.