It is with sincere sadness that we announce the passing of Hannu Tavio. Hannu was one of the small group of men involved in the creation of Europa Uomo between 2002 and 2004.
As a lawyer, Hannu Tavio helped draft the first statutes. During these early years he was very active and worked closely with Louis Denis and Tom Hudson (later secretary and first Chairman of Europa Uomo), becoming a member of the organisation's first Board after its official creation in Milan in 2004.
Hannu Tavio was a prostate cancer patient who was involved in the lives of patients and stood up on their behalf. He was a very nice and easy going man, a friend to all members who met with him. We will miss him.
From the Finnish Prostate Cancer Organisation, PROPO.
Hannu Tavio was an Executive Director of PROPO and a distinguished pioneer in patient advocacy.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Hannu Tavio became actively involved in PROPO activities. He was appointed Project Director and Secretary in August 2002 and his title was changed to Executive Director in 2003.
Through his work, Tavio significantly advanced knowledge about prostate cancer and its impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones. At his initiative, the association began publishing the highly regarded PROPO magazine and served as Editor-in-Chief from 2004. The magazine has been distributed not only to association members but also to oncological clinics and all regional cancer associations.
Tavio also sought information from abroad and shared it in Finland, often through his extensive writing for the magazine. He wrote two cancer-related books. The first, "Prostate Cancer - An Uninvited Companion", was published in 2005. The second, "Life Sustains," was co-authored with oncologist Timo Joensuu and was published in 2010.
He served as a Europa Uomo Board member and Vice Chairman from 2005 to 2012. He earned significant international recognition for his work on behalf of cancer patients, elected Chairman of the Audit Committee of the European Cancer Patient Coalition for 2013–2015, and awarded the Finnish Lion I Class Knight of the Order of Merit for his distinguished work on behalf of prostate cancer patients. He also received the Cancer Societies' Silver Cancer Prevention Medal for his long-term work on cancer prevention.
Hannu Tavio was a unique man who tirelessly championed the cause of prostate cancer patients.
From the French prostate cancer patients organisation, ANAMACaP
The sad news of the passing of Hannu Tavio came as a shock. He was a pioneer. His contribution to the development of the organisation was invaluable. Hannu was always geared to the prostate cancer patients’ interests and he will be missed by all his community, colleagues and friends.
ANAMACaP ‘s board and its chairman Roland Muntz wish to express their deepest condolences to Mr Tavio’s family. For Roland Muntz, he was not only a colleague, but a friend.
From Tania Estapé, Europa Uomo Board member (Spain)
My memories of Hannu are of a kind person who was very supportive to me when I arrived at my first Europa Uomo General Assembly. My condolences to his family and friends and the prostate cancer community.
From Marko Koivuneva, Europa Uomo Board member (Finland)
As someone who had followed Hannu as a Europa Uomo Board member from Finland, I will feel humble if I can achieve just a tiny bit of what he achieved. He was a great man and with his vision we have been able to achieve a great deal.
From Joaquim da Cruz Domingos (Portugal)
It was with immense sadness that we received the news of Hannu's passing. The years I lived with Hannu were always full of cordiality, a desire to help everyone, always in favour of prostate patients. My sincere condolences.
Ken Mastris (UK)
Such sad news. He was true gentleman who fought for the needs of prostate patients. A great patient advocate.
Günter Feick (Germany)
I am mourning with his family and friends. We are losing a warm-hearted, gifted and recognised patient advocate. Rest in peace dear Hannu: I always keep you in my fondest memories