Faculty, research staff, and graduate students at Kentucky State will share USDA-supported research, Extension outreach strategies, and prevention efforts across the Commonwealth

FRANKFORT, Ky. — For Kentucky farmers, long days outdoors are part of the work. They also bring sustained exposure to ultraviolet radiation, making skin cancer awareness and prevention a practical occupational health issue.

A May 27 virtual session led by Kentucky State University researchers will examine that risk through “Skin Cancer Webinar — Are Kentucky Farmers Vulnerable?” The program will be held Wednesday, May 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern time via Zoom.

Register for the May 27 program through Zoom.

The program will feature faculty, research staff, and graduate students from Kentucky State, with presentations focused on USDA-supported research, current findings tied to skin cancer awareness and prevention among farmers, the role of Cooperative Extension agents, and broader public health initiatives in Kentucky.

Kentucky State University presenters will include:

Dr. Frederick Bebe, assistant research professor, who will provide a progress report on the USDA skin cancer grant and lead the concluding discussion, “Are Kentucky farmers vulnerable?”

Dr. Gladys Besona, senior research associate, who will discuss skin cancer prevention for farmers and farm workers and the potential role of Cooperative Extension agents.

Susan Fakolade, graduate student, who will present on skin cancer awareness and prevention practices among farmers in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Area Development District.

Ebenezar Akinola, graduate student, who will discuss public health initiatives for skin cancer prevention in Kentucky.

“Farmers and farm workers often spend long periods outdoors, making sun exposure an important occupational health issue,” Dr. Bebe said. “This program is an opportunity to share what we are learning through the research process, highlight student involvement, and discuss how Extension and public health partners can help strengthen awareness and prevention.”

The program follows statewide recognition of Kentucky State’s work in this area. In 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear proclaimed May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Kentucky and recognized the University’s research and outreach in sun safety and skin cancer prevention.

The May 27 session builds on recent Kentucky State research activity shared at the 2026 Kentucky Public Health Association Conference, held March 17-19.

At the conference, Akinola presented work on GIS mapping of melanoma risk in Kentucky, exploring how spatial analysis can help identify geographic patterns and support targeted prevention and early detection efforts. Fakolade presented research on increasing adoption of sun protection among farmers through theory-driven public health strategies, with attention to the occupational risks agricultural workers face through repeated sun exposure.

Skin cancer remains a serious public health concern, particularly for people whose work requires repeated sun exposure. For agricultural workers, prevention practices such as protective clothing, shade, sunscreen, and early awareness can be especially important.

At the conclusion of the session, participants will better understand USDA’s support for skin cancer research among farmers, the progress of Kentucky State’s grant-funded work, graduate student involvement in the research process, the role Cooperative Extension agents may play in prevention education, and current skin cancer prevention initiatives in Kentucky.

The session will include presentations, panel discussion, and audience Q&A. It will be recorded, and slides or additional resources will be shared with participants. Continuing education credits or a Certificate of Participation may be available through the Kentucky Public Health Association.

The program is intended for scientists, administrators, Extension professionals, students, public health partners, agricultural professionals, and other stakeholders interested in skin cancer awareness and prevention practices.

The research is supported by a $599,981 USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture 1890 Capacity Building Grant focused on skin cancer awareness, knowledge, prevalence, and prevention among Kentucky farmers. The project is led by Dr. Bebe, with Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyimana, Dr. David Tataw (Northern Kentucky University), and Ram Lakhan (Berea College) serving as co-project directors. The grant is a multi-institutional collaboration involving Kentucky State University, Northern Kentucky University, and Berea College, with sub-awards supporting partner institutions.