High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens has revealed that her father Greg is battling stage 4 cancer. The actress shared the sad news on Wednesday (August 19th) during an emotional speech at the Industry Dance Awards which were held in aid of cancer charity The Circle of Hope.

Vanessa HudgensVanessa Hudgens has revealed her father has cancer.

"Last year, my boyfriend, Austin, lost his mom, Lori, to cancer, and my dad has just been recently diagnosed with stage four cancer," Hudgens told the audience. "Let me tell you, I hate cancer. I hate cancer with every cell of my being.”

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Hudgens was accepting an award for Breakthrough Performer and added, "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.”

It’s the first time the 26 year old has spoken about her father’s health problems, but earlier this month she had asked fans to pray for Greg via an Instagram post. ‘My daddy and I Please pray for his healing!!! The more prayers the better,’ Vanessa captioned a picture of herself and her father.

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Hudgens’ boyfriend, ‘The Carrie Diaries’ actor Austin Butler lost his mother last September, but didn’t not reveal the cause of death at the time of her passing. At the time of her death the 24 year old wrote on Twitter, ‘Lori Butler, my mom, my hero & my best friend passed away this morning. Let’s all celebrate her.’ Butler and Hudgens have been dating since 2011.

My daddy and I ❤Please pray for his healing!!! The more prayers the better.

A photo posted by Vanessa Hudgens (@vanessahudgens) on