Selena Gomez Underwent Chemo After Lupus Diagnosis

Pop singer and former child star Selena Gomez revealed that autoimmune disease lupus is the reason why she is taking a hiatus from show business.

"I was diagnosed with lupus, and I've been through chemotherapy. That's what my break was really about. I could've had a stroke," Gomez told the magazine, Billboard last October 8, 2015 where she graced its covers.

Rumors of Selena Gomez being sick started to circulate in 2013 when she cancelled her Asia and Australia tour. Gomez said back then that she wanted to spend time with herself. Afterwards, she then sought treatment at the Dawn and Meadows rehab facility. Gossip websites were speculating that Gomez was on drugs.

"I wanted so badly to say: 'You guys have no idea. I'm in chemotherapy." Gomez shared.

"'I've been working since I was seven. I've been a UNICEF ambassador since I was 17. It's so disappointing that I've become a tabloid story. " she added.

On October 9, 2015 Gomez appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where she explained why she kept her disease for three years. "I mean that's when I found it," Gomez tells host Ellen DeGeneres, "and I think it was just very complicated because I didn't understand and then that was something that I did want to keep private until my whole life suddenly wasn't private."

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal tissue. This can lead to destruction of the kidney, heart, brain, spine, and lung tissue but its cause is unknown. Symptoms can include fever, rashes on the face, hair loss, fatigue and painful joints. It is not known exactly what causes the disease.

Selena Gomez, who began her career when she was still young on shows like Barney and Friends and Wizards of Waverley Place, is currently promoting her new album Revival, and appeared in the film Hotel Transylvania 2.