Vanessa Hudgens has revealed her father is battling stage four cancer.

The 'High School Musical' star revealed the sad news while accepting an award at the 2015 Industry Dance Awards in Los Angeles last night (19.08.15).

Vanessa told the audience at the bash, which benefits a charity for dancers who have survived cancer, that her boyfriend, actor Austin Butler, also lost his mother to the disease.

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.''

Vanessa, 26, accepted the Breakthrough Performer award at the ceremony and fittingly dedicated her prize to both her father and Austin's mother.

According to Entertainment Tonight, she 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.''

In July, the brunette called for prayers for her dad on Instagram.

She wrote: ''My daddy and I. Please pray for his healing!!! The more prayers the better. (sic)''