The question for SUN1HR has been preceded by differing introductory statements. In 2000, interviewers stated, "Now we are going to ask you about cancer prevention. The next few questions are about the time you spend in the sun." In 2005 and forward, interviewers stated, "Now, we are going to ask you about your skin's reaction to the sun."

In 1992, 2000, 2005, but not 2010 and forward, respondents were shown a flashcard listing the response categories. In 2010 and forward, respondents were read the response categories but not shown a flashcard. Although the question remained essentially the same, there were very small changes in the wording of the question. There is also a slight change in the response category wording between 1992 and later years. See the survey text tab.

In 1992, the survey form instructs the interviewer to read the categories if it is a telephone interview and to mark only one category. If respondents state that they don't go out in the sun, the Field Representative's Manual from 1992 directs interviewers to, "Ask what would happen IF he/she were out in the sun." In 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2020 the Field Representative's Manual directed interviewers to read if necessary, "Even if you do not go out in the sun, what would happen if you did?" The 2005, 2010, and 2020 Manuals add, "Use the most recent experience. If none, then think about the past." The 2015 Manual explains that "the respondent should have an idea of what typically happens to his/her skin in the sun based on past experiences."

In 2000, 2010 and forward, the survey form directed interviewers not to read the response category, "do not go out in the sun." This direction was not given in the survey form for 2005 despite continuing presence of the response category. However, there is instruction given to interviewers in the 2005 and 2015 Manual , "...You might want to use summer or warmer weather as a reference. Then if respondent still can't answer, you might want to suggest using childhood experience as a reference. Do NOT read the answer, "do not go out in the sun." This response category was not a choice in 1992.

The 2000 Manual also provides, "By 'sunburn' we mean your skin turns pink or red or hurts for 12 hours or more," and "If asked how much skin needs to be burned, include: 'a burn on even a small part of your body.'" The 2005 and forward Manuals consolidates this to, "By 'sunburn' we mean even a small part of your skin turns red or hurts for 12 hours or more."

According to the Field Representative's Manuals for 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015, "protective clothing" is "any clothing that protects the skin by blocking the sun," and the 1992 Manual offered a similar definition ("any clothing that blocks the sun from the skin"). The 2000 and 2005 Manuals also included the following description of "sunscreen":

The 2010 Manual included a nearly identical definition. The 2015 Manual added sunblock to the definition along with sunscreen.

In 1992, SUN1HR was part of a series of questions on Cancer Screening Knowledge and Practice. In 2000 and later, SUN1HR was part of a series of questions on Sun Protection Behaviors included in the Cancer Screening sections of the Sample Adult Cancer Control Modules. According to the Field Representative's Manuals for 2000 and later, the purpose of these questions was to "determine the sun protection practices in the population." The Manuals for 2000 and later continued:

The 2000 Field Representative's Manual included the following statement regarding how the data from the Sun Protection Behaviors questions may be used:

The 2005, 2010, and 2015Manuals provided a similarly worded description of how the data may be used.