Travis Barker reveals scary diagnosis that made him quit smoking

Travis Barker has opened up about a health scare that completely changed his lifestyle, revealing that a precancer diagnosis forced him to give up smoking after years of enjoying the habit.

The Blink-182 drummer recently appeared on the Big Bro with Kid Cudi podcast, where he discussed his diagnosis of a precancerous condition in his esophagus and explained how the warning changed his attitude towards his health.

The 50-year-old musician admitted that he only decided to quit smoking after learning about the condition. Barker revealed that he particularly enjoyed smoking blunts and often did it more than he should have.

Recalling the moment he received the diagnosis, Barker said he asked his doctor whether the condition was serious. However, the doctor’s response made him realise that he needed to take the warning seriously.

According to the musician, his doctor described the diagnosis as a warning shot and strongly advised him to stop smoking before the condition developed into something more dangerous.

Barker admitted that he might never have given up smoking if he had not received the diagnosis. He even compared his previous attitude towards the habit to legendary country singer Willie Nelson, suggesting that he once believed he could continue smoking throughout his life without facing serious consequences.

The revelation comes shortly after Barker shared another update about his health, this time involving a nerve problem that required surgery.

Last month, the drummer revealed that he had been experiencing numbness in his arm, hand and fingers following a performance. After undergoing a nerve test, he discovered that he needed a cubital tunnel release procedure to address the issue.

The surgery was necessary to relieve pressure on a nerve and help restore proper function in his arm and hand.

Barker explained that he wanted to undergo the procedure as soon as possible because he did not want the problem to affect his ability to perform music. He was particularly concerned about protecting his hands and maintaining his playing abilities for years to come.

Despite facing multiple health challenges, the musician remains determined to return to the stage and continue performing with Blink-182.

His latest revelations offer a glimpse into the health concerns behind his decision to make lifestyle changes and prioritise his long-term well-being.