EARLIER this year, Carol Nicholson was faced with the devastating truth that her big sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Each week, Rhonda Hinschen, 61, travels to Mackay to undergo chemotherapy, a process Ms Nicholson said "really knocks them (patients) around."

"Something should be given to patients to stop them feeling so sick," she said.

"They go through absolute hell."

A shop assistant at Proserpine's Faust's Supa IGA, Ms Nicholson said the store's current fundraiser for the McGrath foundation was a great way to help.

From May 25 to June 21, Supa IGA stores across the country are encouraging shoppers to feast on some apples to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.

For every specially marked 1kg pack of Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Granny Smith or Royal Gala apples purchased, 20 cents will be donated to the foundation.

Proserpine store manager Michael Faust said he and the team were proud to be a part of it.

"We try to help how we can and this is another way of doing it," he said.

Supa IGA has a long history of supporting the McGrath Foundation with $720,000 raised since 2009.

This year, the independent retailer presented charity co-founder and president Glenn McGrath and CEO Petra Buchanan with a donation of over $195,000.

Stores across Australia have supported local communities and charities through the IGA Community Chest program, which raises funds through in-store purchases, with more than 1,300 store owners on board.

As cancer affects one in two people whether it be directly, through a family member or a friend, it's hard to find a person who hasn't been touched by the disease in some way.

Pink balloons and posters have been used to decorate the Proserpine store's fruit display, in the hope of bringing as much attention to the fundraiser as possible.

Ms Nicholson said she had known far too many people affected by cancer and revealed her sister may have to undergo a double mastectomy to win her battle.

Having been involved in other fundraisers like Relay for Life, Ms Nicholson said she appreciated the effort people went to.

"I think it's great for people to get involved in fundraisers and I'm very proud to be a part of what IGA is doing," she said.