Vanessa Hudgens Reveals Dad's Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis

Earlier this week, Vanessa Hudgens made a surprising disclosure while taking home an award for Breakthrough Performer at the 2015 Industry Dance Awards.

She revealed in her acceptance speech that her dad was battling cancer. She said, "Last year, my boyfriend Austin lost his mom, Lori, to cancer, and my dad has just been recently diagnosed with stage four cancer. Let me tell you, I hate cancer. I hate cancer with every cell of my being. "If you would have asked me two years ago what I thought of cancer, I would have said, 'Man, you know it sucks. It's a horrible disease,' but that's only because I had not been faced with it personally."

Vanessa continued, "This award, it means a lot to me, but I dedicate it to my boyfriend's mom, Lori, my dad, and to all the families out there who are struggling with this, because it really takes a strong person and a strong family to be able to help those out who are going through this."

Though it was the first time Vanessa publicly acknowledged her dad's cancer diagnosis, last month she had asked for prayers and support on Instagram.