Maybe it's because they don't like making a fuss. Perhaps there's some deep cellular memory of cavemen ancestors being cast out of the tribe when they showed signs of weakness, given that a hunter-gatherer who can't hunt is of no use to anyone.
Perhaps it's because they don't want to go looking for trouble.
They'll head off to the mechanic at the first knock or whine in a vehicle, but when it comes to odd things happening in their bodies they'd rather ignore it.
Maybe they think they're bulletproof. That they're young, strong and healthy and diseases are things old men get. I don't know.
Much as I love them I've never understood men.
What I do know is that many dads, husbands, sons, brothers and lovers would still be with us if they cared as much about themselves as they did for their vehicles.
So many cancers are curable if they're found in time — the diagnosis of cancer need not mean a death sentence in this day and age.
Testicular cancer, for instance: about 150 young men are diagnosed with it every year here but if it's diagnosed early it has the highest cure rate of all cancers.
Prevention is so much better than reaction — strokes, cardiovascular disease, cancers are all far more survivable when they're dealt with early.
The same is true when it comes to mental health.
Suicide rates in New Zealand are appalling — particularly among men — but people don't have to struggle with depression on their own and they don't have to live with it forever.
Sir John Kirwan has done a very good job of raising public awareness of living with depression but we still have a long way to go in terms of men seeking help for mental health issues. Especially the men in our farming sector.
The use of quad bikes comes under the spotlight regularly. Every time a farmer dies from a quad bike accident, there are calls for increased regulations and safety procedures.
And yet for every well-publicised quad bike death there are 18 rural suicides.
Women have done a good job of setting up groups to support, advocate and educate other women about female-specific diseases — cervical cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer, in particular.
And the good news is that men are starting to follow suit — there are very good initiatives focusing on men's health.
Men's Health Week is coming up next month — from June 8-14.
During June, men will be encouraged to visit their local Life or Unichem Pharmacy for a free Men's Health Pitstop Check. There is an online health survey men can take. Another great website is getthetools. org.nz. You can also make an appointment with your GP and get a man Wof from a professional.
It's much easier to have a discussion about personal health issues if you've formed a working relationship with your doctor.
We all have to die. But dying of something preventable is irresponsible. And that some men avoid a doctor out of embarrassment or whakama is just plain silly.
Much as you'd like to think otherwise, blokes, your bum, your cock and your balls are nothing special. Doctors have seen thousands of them.
If you'd really rather die than have a doctor put a finger up your bum, chances are you will.
• Kerre McIvor is on Newstalk ZB, Monday to Thursday 8pm-midnight.
