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Travis Barker's Cancer Scare: 'Warning Shot' Prompts Quit
14 Nov
Summary
- Travis Barker quit smoking after a precancer diagnosis.
- A doctor's warning prompted the musician to change his lifestyle.
- He credits exercise for helping him stay sober.
Drummer Travis Barker recently shared that a significant health diagnosis led him to cease smoking. In a conversation on November 11, 2026, Barker disclosed that he was diagnosed with precancer of the esophagus, which his doctor termed a "warning shot."
Barker, who previously smoked heavily, admitted he might not have quit without this medical intervention, though he misses the habit. He also recalled a desire to adopt a healthier lifestyle when his former wife was pregnant with their son, Landon, leading him to take up running, boxing, and jumping rope.
His recovery from the severe 2008 plane crash also played a crucial role in his sobriety, as he spent months in a burn center. In November 2023, Barker and Kourtney Kardashian welcomed their son, Rocky Thirteen, as they navigate raising a blended family. Barker also recently underwent surgery in October 2026 for cubital tunnel release to address numbness in his arm, aiming to preserve his ability to play drums.
