Travis Barker Recalls A Precancer Health Scare That Made Him Quit Smoking Weed, 'Don't F--- Around'
The Blink-182 drummer revealed how an esophageal precancer diagnosis prompted him to quit smoking weed amid multiple preexisting health issues.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleTravis Barker has opened up about the health scare that finally made him give up smoking weed after years of heavy marijuana use. The Blink-182 drummer revealed he was diagnosed with precancer of the esophagus, prompting his doctor to issue a blunt warning that changed his relationship with smoking.
Travis Barker reveals how much weed he used to smoke, and how his habit changed after a scary diagnosis
During an appearance on the Big Bro with Kid Cudi podcast on Wednesday, November 12, 2026, the 50-year-old musician spoke candidly about sobriety and the reasons behind his decision to quit. Barker told host Kid Cudi, "I only quit because I got diagnosed with precancer of the esophagus. I loved blunts, and I would smoke too much."
The drummer recalled asking his doctor whether the diagnosis was serious. The response left little room for doubt. He admitted that without the diagnosis, he might never have given up the habit. Barker recalled the doctor's words:
"He's like, 'This is your warning shot. Don't f--- around. You've got to stop smoking.' ... I thought I could be like Willie Nelson and smoke to the day I die."
Barker also discussed the extent of his former smoking habit, revealing that he had been consuming around 10 to 15 blunts a day. Although he recognized the need to stop, the musician admitted that he still misses smoking and thinks about lighting one up "all the time."
Barker explained that he eventually found another way to deal with the cravings, turning to running as a healthier outlet. He said the habit became increasingly important to him and helped him stay away from smoking. He also credited exercise with helping him maintain sobriety after struggling with prescription medication and opioids in the past.
How the 2008 plane crash changed Travis Barker's life
This is not the first time Barker has spoken about a major health crisis changing his lifestyle. In 2008, the drummer survived a devastating plane crash in South Carolina that killed four people and left him with severe burns and injuries. He later opened up about how the experience helped him quit prescription drugs and other substances.
In an interview with Men's Health, Barker recalled how people often asked whether he had gone to rehab. He said at the time:
"People are always like, 'Did you go to rehab?' And I [say], 'No, I was in a plane crash.' That was my rehab… Lose three of your friends and almost die? That was my wake-up call. If I wasn't in a crash, I would have probably never quit."
Barker spent months recovering from his injuries and eventually adopted a healthier lifestyle, including becoming vegan and taking up regular exercise. His precancer diagnosis, however, turned out to be the final straw to quit marijuana completely.
The musician's latest revelation comes amid other health concerns. In October 2026, Barker disclosed that he had undergone surgery after experiencing numbness in his arm, hand, and fingers following a performance. He explained on Instagram Stories that a nerve test revealed he needed a cubital tunnel release to address the problem.
The procedure came three years after he injured his ring finger during drum rehearsals in February 2023. He later underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments, explaining at the time that the operation was necessary for him to continue playing.
Beyond his career with Blink-182, Barker is also a father of four. He shares a son, Rocky, 3, with wife Kourtney Kardashian and has two older children, Landon, 23, and Alabama, 20, with his former wife Shanna Moakler. He also helped raise Moakler's daughter, Atiana de la Hoya, who is 27.
Travis Barker has not shared more details about his precancer diagnosis.
Image courtesy: Travis Barker/Instagram, Big Bro with Kid Cudi/YouTube
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