Application of geographic information systems and asset mapping to facilitate identification of colorectal cancer screening resources

We sought to identify and map the geographic distribution of available colorectal cancer screening resources; following identification of this priority within a needs assessment of a local community-academic collaborative to reduce cancer health disparities in medically underserved communities. We used geographic information systems (GIS) and asset mapping tools to visually depict resources in the context of geography and a population of interest. We illustrate two examples, offer step-by-step directions for mapping, and discuss the challenges, lessons learned, and future directions for research and practice. Our positive asset driven, community-based approach illustrated the distribution of existing colonoscopy screening facilities and locations of populations and organizations who might use these resources. A need for additional affordable and accessible colonoscopy resources was identified. These transdisciplinary community mapping efforts highlight the benefit of innovative community-academic partnerships for addressing cancer health disparities by bolstering infrastructure and community capacity-building for increased access to colonoscopies.