Travis Barker says precancer diagnosis led him to quit smoking

Travis Barker said he quit smoking marijuana after being diagnosed with precancer of the esophagus and warned by his doctor to stop. The Blink-182 drummer described the diagnosis and advice during an appearance on the Big Bro with Kid Cudi podcast, saying he would not have quit without them.

Barker said he had been smoking 10 to 15 blunts a day and had imagined continuing to smoke into old age. He said he asked his doctor whether the condition was serious and was told to stop smoking. The diagnosis and the doctor’s advice are reported through Barker’s account; no medical record or independent statement from the doctor was included in the reports.

Barker said he still misses smoking, but running has become an alternative and helped him maintain sobriety. He said that a couple of miles a day, even years later, helps him stay on track, and that running had become more important to him than smoking. He also described taking up boxing as part of efforts to become healthier.

In discussing his past routine, Barker recalled running six miles before smoking a cigarette and a blunt. He said his smoking had been excessive and that he had not expected to stop. His account linked the decision...