Clinical Genetics; breast cancer; Risk Assessment; chemoprevention research; family risk assessment and genetic testing; epidemiology; gynecologic cancers

Research Program

Cancer Prevention and Control

Key Awards

Medical Oncology

Treatment Philosophy

I consider it an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to accompany my patients on their cancer journey. I am allowed to witness their strength and courage, to be exposed to the devotion of their families and friends, and to become part of their lives in a very special way.

By extending this care to family members through the risk assessment program, we can work together towards the reduction of risk and prevention of cancer. I like to approach every patient encounter as a mutual learning experience. It is an opportunity for me to share with each patient the latest information about their cancer and treatment or their cancer risk, and give them the tools they need to make informed decisions.

It is also an opportunity for them to teach me something about themselves, about their lives and families, and how they cope with illness and promote their own health. I always feel both drained and enriched after a day in clinic.

Director, Risk Assessment Program

Dr. Daly is a national leader in the field of clinical cancer genetics, and is the founder and director of one of the first cancer risk assessment and counseling programs in the country, established in 1991.

Dr. Daly is the founder and director of Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Risk Assessment Program, which is heavily grounded in research. The program has contributed to early observations regarding risk perception and risk-reducing behavior among women with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, and has been instrumental in the development of state-of-the-art cancer risk counseling interventions... Expand

Education and Training

Educational Background

Fellow, Oncology, University of Texas Health Center, Austin, TX
Resident, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Center, Austin, TX
MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 1978
PhD, Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 1973
MSPH, Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 1971
BA, Biology, College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY, 1965

Certifications

Board Certified in Medical Oncology
Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Pennsylvania Medical License
New Jersey Medical License
Texas Medical License

Memberships

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Breast Cancer Risk Reducation Panel
- Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Panel
- Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian Panel
- JNCCN Editorial Board
International Gynecologic Cancer Society
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Association for Cancer Research
American Society for Preventive Oncology
American Public Health Association

Honors & Awards

Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors, 2009-19
America’s Top Doctors^®, 2015-2017
Susan G. Komen Light of Life Award, 2014
Women of Distinction Award, Philadelphia Business Journal, 2011
Cancer Control Award, American Cancer Society, 1996, 2004

Patient Stories

Linda Snow

Breast Cancer

Linda Snow

Breast Cancer

Linda Snow was active, maintained a healthy diet, and underwent genetic testing, followed by two double mastectomies and a hysterectomy. So she was shocked that even with all of these precautionary procedures that she still got breast cancer. Linda sought treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where she met with her treatment team. After a long road, she is now cancer free and credits her survival to Fox Chase. "Where you start your cancer treatment really does make a difference," said Linda. "You have got to act with a sense of urgency because it can mean the difference between life and death. I unequivocally believe that I am alive today because I chose Fox Chase."

View Patient Story

Denise Portner

Breast Cancer

Denise Portner

Breast Cancer

In May 2008, Denise Portner, 45, underwent genetic testing that showed she carried the BRCA2 mutation, just like her mother and aunt, who had breast cancer. Genetic counselors at this hospital advised her to consider prophylactic oophorectomy, a surgical procedure to remove one or both of her ovaries to help reduce her risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Denise decided to get a second opinion from the Risk Assessment Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and on June 16, 2009, she learned that she had breast cancer, which changed her treatment plans. Instead, she had a double mastectomy that summer, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and, later, the originally planned oophorectomy. "It was a challenging ride, but I always felt that I was getting the best possible treatment and that I was fortunate to have a world-class cancer center within a 10-minute drive of my home," Denise said. "If I had not been aware of my genetic status, I would not have had the MRI and would not have known that I had breast cancer."

View Patient Story

Linda Stockman-Vines

Linda Stockman-Vines considers herself lucky. She has been closely monitored by the doctors at Fox Chase Cancer Center since 1993, but does not have cancer. Instead, Linda has a strong family history of cancer and wants to do all she can to avoid getting cancer if she can.

View Patient Story

Jane Tervooren

Breast Cancer

Jane Tervooren

Breast Cancer

Jane Tervooren knows all too well how precious life can be. As the marketing director of one of the largest fertility practices in New Jersey, she watches women who struggle with getting pregnant and who want nothing more than to experience the miracle of childbirth. She also knows how fragile life can be after losing her mother and grandmother too soon to ovarian cancer.

Jane's mother was successfully treated for breast cancer when she was 49, but 14 years later lost her life to ovarian cancer. Jane's grandmother also lost her battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 53.

View Patient Story

Deena Dell

Breast Cancer

Deena Dell

Breast Cancer

If you think breast cancer is only diagnosed in stages I, II, III or IV, think again. Deena Damsky Dell, MSN, RN-BC, AOCN(R), can tell you, "Stage 0 breast cancer is really cancer."

After an extensive career in nursing education and oncology critical care, Fox Chase recruited Deena in 2000 as a full-time clinical nurse specialist and director of the RN Graduate Transition Program, where she trains new nurses in oncology.

View Patient Story

Pages

Research Profile

Research Program

Cancer Prevention and Control

Research Interests

Risk Assessment Program Registry
Philadelphia Breast Cancer Family Registry
Improving the Estimation and Communication of Ovarian Cancer Risk among BRCA1/2 and Lynch Syndrome Carriers to Optimize Decision Making [Ovarian SPORE]
Translation of Genomics into Improvements in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
COGENT (Communicating Genetic Test Results by Telephone)
LEGACY (A cohort of youth in families from the Breast Cancer Family Registry)

The Risk Assessment Program at Fox Chase looks at your personal and possible inherited genetic factors that may put you at higher possibility for getting cancer. We comprehensively examine your profile for all cancer types, including — but not limited to — breast cancer, ovarian cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, prostate cancer, and melanoma. Knowing your risk helps you learn what you can do to lower your chances of getting cancer.

The Department of Clinical Genetics is built on the success of Fox Chase's Margaret Dyson Family Risk Assessment Program (now Risk Assessment Program), which Dr. Mary Daly began in 1991. A high-risk screening clinic was developed for individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. In addition to the clinic, genetic counseling was provided for both high risk and breast and ovarian cancer patients. As the clinic developed, it became clear that it was important to provide consultations for biopsy findings that put women at increased risk. Since then, Fox Chase has expanded risk assessment services to those at high risk for all cancers.

Lab Staff

Michael Hall, MD, MS

Director, Gastrointestinal Risk Assessment

Elias Obeid, MD, MPH

Breast, Ovarian, Prostate Risk Assessment

Agnes Masny, RN, MSN, CRNP

Nurse Practitioner

Sharon Schwartz, RN, MSN, CRNP

Nurse Practitioner

Susan Montgomery, RN, BSN, OCN

Clinical Genetics Nurse Navigator

Kim Rainey, MS, MEd, LCGC

Cancer Genetic Counselor

Michelle Savage, MS, LCGC

Cancer Genetic Counselor

Ruth Bingler, BS

Health Educator

Lisa Bealin, BS

Research Study Assistant

Yana Chertock, MA

Research Study Assistant

Honey Salador

Research Study Assistant

Joann Sicilia

Research Study Assistant

Publications

Selected Publications

Reese JB, Sorice K, Lepore SJ, Daly MB, Tulsky JA, Beach MC. Patient-clinician communication about sexual health in breast cancer: A mixed-methods analysis of clinic dialogue. Patient Education and Counseling, 102(3):436-42, 2019. PubMed

Terry MB, Daly MB, Phillips KA, Ma X, Zeinomar N, Leoce N, Dite GS, MacInnis RJ, Chung WK, Knight JA, Southey MC, Milne RL, Goldgar D, Giles GG, Weideman PC, Glendon G, Buchsbaum R, Andrulis IL, John EM, Buys SS, Hopper JL. Risk-Reducing Oophorectomy and Breast Cancer Risk Across the Spectrum of Familial Risk. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 111(3):331-4, 2019. PubMed

Frost CJ, Andrulis IL, Buys SS, Hopper JL, John EM, Terry MB, Bradbury A, Chung WK, Colbath K, Quintana N, Gamarra E, Egleston B, Galpern N, Bealin L, Glendon G, Miller LP, Daly MB. Assessing patient readiness for personalized genomic medicine. Journal of community genetics, 2018. PubMed

Daly, M., Dresher, C.W., Yates, M.S., Jeter, J.M., Karlan, B.Y., Alberts, D.S., Lu, K. “Salpingectomy as a Means to Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk,” Cancer Prev Res 8(5):342-348, 2015. (PMCID: PMC4417454) PubMed

Hall, M.J., Forman, A.D., Montgomery, S.V., Rainey, K.L., Daly, M.B. “Understanding Patient and Provider Perceptions and Expectations of Genomic Medicine,” J Surg Oncol 111(1):9-17, 2015. (PMCID: PMC4286413) PubMed

Hall, M.J., Herda, M.M., Handorf, E.A., Rybak, C.C., Keleher, C.A., Siemon, M., Daly, M.B. “Direct-to-patient Disclosure of Results of Mismatch Repair Screening for Lynch Syndrome via Electronic Personal Health Record: a Feasibility Study,” Genet Med, 16(11):854-61, 2014. (PMCID: PMC4216634) PubMed

Ferris, J.S., Daly, M.B., Buys, S.S., Genkinger, J.M., Liao, Y., Terry, M.B. “Oral Contraceptive and Reproductive Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer Within Sisters in the Breast Cancer Family Registry,” British Journal of Cancer, 110(4):1074-80, 2014. (PMCID: PMC3929882). PubMed

Chai, X., Friebel, T.M., Singer, C.F., Evans, D.G., Lynch, H.T., Isaacs, C., Garber, J.E., Neuhausen, S.L., Matloff, E., Eeles, R., Tung, N., Weitzel, J.N., Couch, F.J., Hulick, P.J., Ganz, P.A., Daly, M.B., Olopade, O.I., Tomlinson, G., Blum, J.L., Domchek, S.M., Chen, J., Rebbeck, T.R. “Use of Risk-reducing Surgeries in a Prospective Cohort of 1,499 BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers,” Breast Cancer Res Treat 148(2):397:406, 2014. (PMCID: PMC4224991) PubMed ... Expand

Cherry, C, Ropka, M., Lyle, J., Napolitano, L., Daly, M.B. “Understanding the Needs of Women Considering Risk Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy,” Cancer Nursing 36(3):E33-8, 2013. (PMCID: PMC3637391). PubMed

Mocci, E., Milne, R.L., Yuste Mendez-Villamil, E., Hopper, J.L., John, E.M., Andrulis, I.L., Chung, W.K., Daly, M.B., Buys, S.S., Malats, N., Goldgar, D.E. “Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in Breast Cancer Families from the Breast Cancer Family Registry,” Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 22(5):803-811, 2013 (PMCID: PMC3739843). PubMed

Montgomery, S.V., Barsevick, A.M., Egleston, B.L., Bingler, R., Ruth, K., Miller, S.M., Malick, J., Cescon, T.P., Daly, M.B. “Preparing Individuals to Communicate Genetic Test Results to Their Relatives: Report of a Randomized Control Trial,” Familial Cancer 12(3):537-546, 2013 (PMCID: PMC370656). PubMed

Urban, N., Thorpe, J., Karlan, B.Y., McIntosh, M.W., Palomares, M.R., Daly, M.B., Paley, P., Drescher, C.W. “Interpretation of Single and Serial Measures of HE4 and CA125 in Asymptomatic Women at High Risk for Ovarian Cancer,” Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 21(11):2087-94, 2012. (PMCID: PMC3493821). PubMed

Meropol, N.J., Daly, M.B., Vig, H.S., Manion, F.J., Manne, S.L., Mazar, C., Murphy, C., Solarino, N., Zubarev, V. “Delivery of Internet-based Cancer Genetic Counseling Services to Patients’ Homes: a Feasibility Study,” Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare 17(1):36-40, 2011. (PMCID: PMC3263376). PubMed

Bradbury, A., Patrick-Miller, L., Fetzer, D., Egleston, B., Cummings, S., Forman, A., Bealin, L., Peterson, C., Corbman, M., O’Connell, J., Daly, M. “Genetic Counselor Opinions of, and Experiences with Telephone Communication of BRCA1/2 Test Results,” Clinical Genetics 79(2):125-131, 2011 (PMCID: PMC3059740). PubMed

Smith, L.D., Tesoriero, A.A., Wong, E.M., Ramus, S.J., O’Malley, F.P., Mulligan, A.M., Terry, M.B., Senie, R.T., Santella, R.M., John, E.M., Andrulis, I.L., Ozcelik, H., Daly, M.B., Godwin, A.K., Buys, S.S., Fox, S., Goldgar, D.E., Giles, G.G., Hopper, J.L., Southey, M.C. “Contribution of Large Genomic BRCA1 Alterations to Early-Onset Breast Cancer Selected for Family History and Tumour Morphology: A Report from The Breast Cancer Family Registry,” Breast Cancer Res 13(1):R14, 2011. (PMCID: PMC3109582) PubMed

Domchek, S.M., Friebel, T.M., Garber, J.E., Isaacs, C., Matloff, E., Eeles, R., Evans, D.G., Rubinstein, W., Singer, C.F., Rubin, S., Lynch, H.T., Daly, M.B., Weitzel, J., Ganz, P.A., Pichert, G., Olopade, OI, Tomlinson, G., Tung, N., Blum, J.L., Couch, F., Rebbeck, T.R. “Occult Ovarian Cancers Identified at Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy in a Prospective Cohort of BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers, “Breast Cancer Res Treat 124(1):195-203, 2010 (PMCID: PMC2949487). PubMed

Domchek, S.M., Friebel, T.M., Singer, C.F., Evans, D.G., Lynch, H.T., Isaacs, C., Garber, J.E., Neuhausen, S.L., Matloff, E., Eeles, R., Pichert, G., Van t’veer, L., Tung, N., Weitzel, J.N., Couch, F.J., Rubinstein, W.S., Ganz, P.A., Daly, M.B., Olopade, O.I., Tomlinson, G., Schildkraut, J., Blum, J.L., Rebbeck, T.R. “Association of Risk-Reducing Surgery in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers with Cancer Risk and Mortality,” JAMA 304(9):967-975, 2010. (PMCID: PMC2948529). PubMed Collapse

Additional Publications

My NCBI

Ratings

40 PATIENT SATISFACTION REVIEWS

Our Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to care provider related questions from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Learn more.

OVERALL RATING

5.0 / 5.0

RATINGS BREAKDOWN

4.8

Gives easy to understand instruction
Gives easy to understand instruction
5.0

Explains in a way you understand
Explains in a way you understand
5.0

Listens carefully to you
Listens carefully to you
5.0

Shows respect for what you say
Shows respect for what you say
5.0

Spends enough time with you
Spends enough time with you

12 PATIENT COMMENTS

5.0

May 15, 2019

I have returned to this provider for a VERY long time because she exceeds all my expectations.
5.0

May 14, 2019

[...] Dr. Daly, [...], and [...] make me feel comfortable and welcome at Fox Chase. It's a positive experience to be there - This is very different from most facilities.
5.0

May 14, 2019

Dr. Mary Daly -> excellent care.
5.0

May 12, 2019

Doctor Daly and the staff always give exceptional care.
5.0

April 16, 2019

Dr. Daly & [...] are, excellent.
5.0

April 15, 2019

I travel 4 hours - one way to see Dr. Mary Daly - That's how much I value her opinion of my health.
5.0

March 05, 2019

I needed a needle biopsy and Dr. Daly had them work me in that afternoon.
5.0

February 24, 2019

Dr. Daly is very caring & an excellent doctor. She is worth a two hour round trip commute, without a doubt!
5.0

November 05, 2018

Dr. Daly is outstanding, experienced & compassionate provider.
5.0

October 22, 2018

I'm extremely grateful for the privilege of having Dr. Daly see me.
5.0

October 22, 2018

Dr. Daly and [...], RN are both outstanding. They are kind, compassionate & good listeners. I have much confidence in their knowledge & expertise.
5.0

October 07, 2018

No stress, easy, secure.

Clinical Locations

Primary Location

Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111

5.0

40 Patient Satisfaction Ratings

Professor, Department of Clinical Genetics

Former Chair, Department of Clinical Genetics

Director, Risk Assessment Program

TRDG Member, Breast Cancer; Kidney, Bladder, and Prostate Cancer; Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer

Timothy R. Talbot Jr. Chair in Cancer Research

NCCN, Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Panel Member

NCCN, Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Panel Member

NCCN, Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian Panel Member

Specialties

Breast Cancer; Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer; Ovarian & Primary Peritoneal Cancer

Treatment Focus

Clinical Genetics; breast cancer; Risk Assessment; chemoprevention research; family risk assessment and genetic testing; epidemiology; gynecologic cancers

Research Program

Cancer Prevention and Control

Key Awards

Medical Oncology

Treatment Philosophy

Director, Risk Assessment Program

Education

Educational Background

Fellow, Oncology, University of Texas Health Center, Austin, TX
Resident, Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Center, Austin, TX
MD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 1978
PhD, Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 1973
MSPH, Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 1971
BA, Biology, College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY, 1965

Certifications

Board Certified in Medical Oncology
Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Pennsylvania Medical License
New Jersey Medical License
Texas Medical License

Memberships

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Breast Cancer Risk Reducation Panel
- Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Panel
- Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian Panel
- JNCCN Editorial Board
International Gynecologic Cancer Society
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Association for Cancer Research
American Society for Preventive Oncology
American Public Health Association

Honors & Awards

Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors, 2009-19
America’s Top Doctors^®, 2015-2017
Susan G. Komen Light of Life Award, 2014
Women of Distinction Award, Philadelphia Business Journal, 2011
Cancer Control Award, American Cancer Society, 1996, 2004

Research Profile

Research Interests

Risk Assessment Program Registry
Philadelphia Breast Cancer Family Registry
Improving the Estimation and Communication of Ovarian Cancer Risk among BRCA1/2 and Lynch Syndrome Carriers to Optimize Decision Making [Ovarian SPORE]
Translation of Genomics into Improvements in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
COGENT (Communicating Genetic Test Results by Telephone)
LEGACY (A cohort of youth in families from the Breast Cancer Family Registry)