I've heard there is an increased cancer rate among people who have urinary catheters and bags. i self-cath 5 or 6 times daily. also cancer risk?

Possible: Urinary catheters may cause irritation of the bladder or repeat infections. Both these may lead to mucosa changing from bladder type to squamous (skin) type, which can then become cancerous in some people. Without a catheter being in place in time this would be less likely. Other factors such as smoking, exposure to some chemicals, white race and older age may alter your risk.